Obituary - EME MARGOLIS CHAIKIN

Eme Margolis Chaikin, 95, passed away at home peacefully and surrounded by her loving family, June 22, 2024. She was born in Philadelphia PA., the daughter of Sylvia and Jabob (Lou) Steriss on Nov. 2, 1928. 

Eme is survived by her children, Maxine Spadaro and spouse, Eugene; Jeffrey Margolis and spouse, Rachel; and Shirley Mayor; grandchildren, Jaimie Dunnick and spouse, Brandon; great-grandchildren, Claire and Benjamin; Stephanie Spadaro, Ollie and Charlie; Jeremy Margolis and spouse, Nicole; Brittney Margolis and fiancé, Matt; Jennifer Bernstein and spouse, Mark; Kyle, Melanie Mayer, Nikkie Spadaro and spouse, Mirko; Corleone and Arianna, Jeff Lipsonand Lori Denning; niece, Carol Kleinman. And Eme's beloved companion, her dog, Howie. 

Her love and compassion for all began at a young age. As a child, she cared for her pet dog, Peppie. As an adult and professional, Eme owned a "rest home" modernly referred to as an assisted-living facility where she cared deeply for her residents. She married the first love of her life, Gerald (Jerry) Margolis, Aug. 31, 1950, in New York City. Twenty-six years later she would marry her second love, Sol Chaikin, in Huntington, New York, in the fall of 1976. Eme would often share how blessed she was to have found love twice and to have shared her life with two devoted and loving, 24-year marriages.

A "Yiddisha Momma," Eme was always there for her children and loved ones. She was immensely proud of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. You could always count on Eme to share stories and accolades of her "kids" as she called everyone. She would refer to Rachel and Eugene as her daughter and son – she didn't believe in the phrase "in-laws" and loved each as her own child. When Eme became a grandmother, she took on the name Bubby. But it wasn't just her grandchildren and later great-grandchildren that would call her that. She truly was a "Bubby" to all who knew her, and she provided that same warmth, love and compassion that you'd expect of your own grandmother. She was there to listen to stories and could always be counted on to give her honest opinion and guidance. Bubby would jokingly say that she's not a milk and cookies grandma, but that she was always right there in the mix of the fun whether that be going out for drinks, shopping, watching movies or her favorite, hearing all the gossip or "dirt" as she'd call it.

 The life lessons she taught were transformational, informative, and shared without remorse. Her grandchildren would often share secrets with Bubby and have confidence that she would offer guidance. A role model to all whom she touched, Eme shared the importance of tzedakah and compassion for others and that respect is always earned, and effort paramount. She had a passion for world travel, fashion, and most of all, family. Eme was an avid animal lover who had monkeys, turtles, dogs and wanted a goat. She would often tell the story of how she had plans to purchase a goat as a pet and to allow the goat indoors during the colder months, but Dad finally put his foot down, so there was to be no goat. Ever the caretaker, she was often lovingly referred to as "Eme-911." She spent countless hours and overnights in the hospital sitting with and caring for with injured or unwell family and friends. Her love for others knew no bounds. Eme was a strong and devoted member of her synagogue, Aventura Turnberry Jewish Center for decades, proudly serving as co-president of the Sisterhood for many years. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Aventura Turnberry Jewish Center, the American Cancer Society or the SPCA of Brevard County, Florida. The family also wishes to offer sincere thanks to Hospice of Brevard County. 

As long as we live, they too will live; for they now are a part of us; as we remember them. 

- Jewish Prayer. 

Service entrusted to Beth Shalom Memorial Chapel, 933 Lee Road, Suite 101, Orlando, Florida 407-599-1180.