Estelle Kaufman

KAUFMAN, Estelle -- Age 87, of Flint Township passed away March 16, 2015. Services will be held 1 PM Wednesday, March 18 at Congregation Beth Israel, 5240 Calkins Rd., Flint. Interment at Machpelah Cemetery, Flint. Those desiring may make contributions to Congregation Beth Israel, Chabad House of Eastern Michigan or Flint Institute of Arts. She was a colorful, bright, generous, humorous, loving, eccentric and larger than life force in the lives of her family and many others. Estelle was born on September 29, 1927 in Philadelphia to Edmond (native of Paris, France) and Rachel Creed (native of Kielce, Poland) . Her family relocated to Toronto where her father started Edmond Creed Furriers manufacturing coats for world famous individuals including Queen Elizabeth to whom he presented a fur coat upon her visit to Canada in 1952. Estelle graduated the University of Toronto with a degree in theater. She married Dr. Benjamin Kaufman of Owosso, Michigan on October 7, 1951. Dr. Kaufman was one of Flint's first orthodontists practicing at 314 West Third Avenue. Estelle assisted him in his practice for more than 50 years. Estelle loved the theater and acted in many local productions. She was proud to be a member of the Actors Equity. She founded the Flint Drama Guild in 1969 and produced many shows including "You Know I Can't Hear You When the Water's Running" at The Whiting Auditorium. She was a member of the Flint Community Players and the Musical Tent in Clio. Amongst many other productions, she performed as the witch in Hansel and Gretel for the Community Players and was especially proud to be cast professionally as the Widow Paroo in The Music Man and as Mrs. Sowerberry in Oliver at the Musical Tent. In later years, she performed at the Bonstelle Theater in Detroit. She was president of the Flint Skating Club for more than 20 years and in that position she produced ice shows starring world class figure skaters at the IMA Sports Arena. She was a Gold Circle Member of the University of Toronto Alumni Association, a Ruben Society member of the Flint Institute of Arts, and an active supporter of the Shriners and their hospital. She annually purchased a truckload of Vidalia onions from the Shriners and gave them out to her family and many friends. Each December Estelle purchased dozens of Claxton-Georgia fruitcakes and distributed them throughout Michigan. She was a member of Congregation Beth Israel where she sponsored the annual Thanksgiving Bazaar by donating the advertisements and hundreds of hot dogs, beverages and desserts for the patrons to eat while they shopped. She also sold dozens of ads for the Beth Israel Sisterhood's annual Donor luncheon. She also sponsored the Chabad House of Eastern Michigan's Purim booklet in honor of her parents and in-laws. She was a 30 year dues paying member of the auxiliary division of the American Bar Association and took classes at Mott Community College in paralegal studies. She enjoyed her annual winter vacation in Miami Beach and summers in Charlevoix. She was an animal lover, a supporter of the Humane Society and the National Wildlife Association and always had pet dogs and cats around her. In the 1980s, she hosted a popular radio broadcast on WTAC "Estelle and Friends." Listeners would hear interesting interviews and Estelle's many thoughts and opinions. She read multiple newspapers everyday and could discuss any topic. She was known for calling many public officials to offer advice and was very close to Mayor Don and Patsy Lou Williamson and former Congressman Dale Kildee and his mother to whom she spoke daily. Surviving are husband, Dr. Benjamin Kaufman; 4 children, Therese (David ) Leyton of Flint Township, Joel (Nancy) Kaufman of West Bloomfield, Dr. Sheryl Weissman of Portland Oregon, Alisa Kaufman (David Raider) of Commerce Township; grandchildren, Dr. Aimee Speck (Alan Speck), Andrew Leyton, Erica Leyton, Adam Leyton, Shelby Kaufman, Carly Kaufman, Jacob Kaufman, Rebecca Weissman, Madeline Weissman, Jordan Bachar and Sivan Rose Bachar; great-grandchildren, Sadie and Micah; and many many cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Raymond Creed, prominent Canadian Barrister and Solicitor, of Blessed Memory. Tributes may be shared on the obituaries page at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com