"Aunt Elaine used to pronounce my name ?mawk?, but then she and Uncle Tony anointed me ?Elvis? and it stuck. She always expressed and showed her love for me and I loved her back just as much. I will cherish a thousand moments we lived together for the rest of my life. God bless Aunt Elaine and her family. Love, Elvis (Marc Friedman)"
In loving memory of
Elaine Farb Seibel
August 30, 1924 - January 4, 2021
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt and friend, Elaine Farb Seibel. Elaine, or Bubbie as she loved to be called, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Monday, January 4, 2021, at Seven Acres Jewish Senior Care. She was 96 years young.
Elaine was born in Galveston, Texas on August 30,1924. She graduated from Ball High School in Galveston, and attended two years of business school. She married the love of her life, Tony Nathan Seibel on June 24,1945, after his Marine Corp tour of duty in WWII. Together that year they founded Tony's Fine Jewelry in Texas City, Texas, where they built a thriving business, and like Cheers, everybody knew your name. When Tony died in 1993, Elaine continued to run the store with her daughter Madaline Mintz until 1999, when Elaine retired after 53 years.
Elaine was a multiple time president of the Texas City chapters of Business and Professional Women and Hadassah.
Elaine and Tony loved to go fishing together, go on cruises, attend conventions and travel. A highlight was their trip to Israel for their 40th wedding anniversary where Elaine took pride in having ridden a camel. She was also an avid gardener and grew her own figs, pears, oranges, persimmons, and pecans and was surrounded by beautiful flowers. Later in life she took up art and produced many lovely paintings.
Elaine was a fabulous cook who won multiple blue ribbons for her fig preserves and challah recipe at the Annual Martha's Vineyard Agricultural Fair. She took baking to an artform and constantly refined her recipes, making them healthier and tastier. At age 90, with help from her grandchildren Amy and Nat, she published her first cookbook, Bubbie's Best: Secret Family Recipes by an Award-Winning Chef.
Elaine was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Tony Seibel; as well as her parents A.L. and Nettie Farb of Galveston, TX. She is survived by her daughter, Madaline Mintz, and grandchildren, Scott Mintz and Lauren Mintz, all of Houston, TX; and her son, Dr. Machelle Seibel and his wife Dr. Sharon Seibel of Newton, MA.; and her grandchildren, Alex Seibel of Austin, TX., Sherry Seibel of Somerville, MA., and Amy Seibel and her husband Nat Seelen of Newton, MA.; and her great-grandson, Benjamin Tony Seibel Seelen, whom she was thrilled to have lived to see.
A private graveside service will be held at Beth Jacob Cemetery in Galveston, TX with Rabbi Todd Doctor officiating. Friends are invited to view the service remotely via Zoom Live Stream on Friday, January 8, 2021 at 11:00 AM at the following link: https://zoom.us/j/94483963019
The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the staff of Seven Acres and the Medallion for their excellent care and kindness. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the: Tony Seibel L'Chaim Fund at Congregation Beth Jacob, 2401 Avenue K, Galveston, TX 77550.
Tributes
"Elaine will be missed terribly by Tita and Janie Holland. She brought us so much laughter and joy as well as fed us too much with her amazing cooking.She was an amazing woman and a joy to have in our lives.Our.deepest sympathies go to her lovely family. "
"I am the son of Ruth Michaelson, and spent a summer with the family when I was young and my family was having problems. I greatly appreciated the time they let me spend with them. I wish health to your family, Phil Michaelson"
"Bubbie will be missed by the Walsh family at our traditional Thanksgiving Day dinners and Astro baseball games. We?ll always remember her as a gracious , fun loving noble lady. We pray God will bless her family with a full measure of His peace and comfort ."