Ethel Mae Lerner (Morrison) died peacefully at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home in Omaha, Nebraska, on November 19, 2023 at the age of 94. Ethel was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on May 3,1929. She married Jerome (Jerry) Lerner in 1948. Together they raised four children, thoroughly enjoying life and their many dear friendships in St. Louis. They were long-time members of Congregation Shaare Emeth. Ethel’s beloved husband Jerry pre-deceased her in October, 2017.
Ethel was an amateur photographer in high school, took photographs for her school’s publications, learned how to fly a Piper Cub after graduation, and was a professional women’s shoe model (size 4). After Ethel retired from West County Famous-Barr’s personnel department, she and Jerry loved antiquing together, accumulating several treasured collections–cookie jars, children’s toys, and salt and pepper shakers favorites among them.
Ethel’s greatest joy was caring for her family. She was the quintessential mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. A wonderful cook, she happily spent countless hours in the kitchen making everyone’s beloved matzo ball soup, brisket, twice-baked potatoes, challah dressing, buckeye balls and, of course, blintzes.
Ethel adored her husband and family and was adored and beloved by them in return. She is survived by her sons, Gary Lerner (Cheryl) of Omaha, Dean Lerner (Deana) of Des Moines, and two daughters, Donna Wilensky (Stan-deceased) and Eve Rudolph (Don) who reside in St. Louis. She reveled in the company of her grandchildren (Nicole, Michael, Matthew, Alec, Scott, David, Mark, Molly, Zachary, Kayla, and Carly) and great-grandchildren (Sam, Oliver, Louie, Sebastian, Jonah, Charlie, Kinzie, Nash, Eleanor, Grant, Gavin, Olive, and Lincoln). St. Louis fun was her specialty.
A graveside memorial service at the New Mt. Sinai Cemetery (8430 Gravois Rd. St. Louis, MO 63123) will be held on Friday December 8, at 12:00 noon.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to Laurie and all of the wonderful caregivers at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home in Omaha, NE, where remembrances may be directed (www.rbjh.com).
