Geraldine Polster Ellman

Geraldine Polster Ellman, born December 19, 1932, passed away on January 4, 2024. Preceded in death by her husband of 55 years Edwin Milton Ellman, parents Helen and William Polster, and brother Marvin Polster. She is survived by her beloved children: daughters, Laurie (Larry) Katz, Karen Ellman Shaine, Judy (Michael) Schottenstein, Susan Tanur Ellman; sons, Mark (Alla), Stephen, Bruce (Michelle Missaghieh); grandchildren: Seth (Reena) Scoblionko, Arielle (Lyle) Steinhaus, Benjamin (Ashley) Scoblionko, Jonathan Scoblionko; Elizabeth, Rachel, Daniel Ellman; Isabel Shaine; Jael, Sivan, Ezri Ellman; Gabriel and Jonah Schottenstein; great-grandchildren: Phoebe and Joshua Scoblionko; Layla Steinhaus; niece, Jennifer Polster; and extended family whom she treasured dearly.

Geri was known for her resolute devotion to family as well as her steadfast commitment and service to the community, which was a fundamental tenet of her life. She held terms as president of the Jewish Community Center of Greater Columbus, Jewish Family Services and Shalom House. She was a Lifetime Director at Wexner Heritage Village and served on boards and committees at the Columbus Jewish Federation, Columbus Jewish Foundation, Columbus Jewish Historical Society, JCC Association of North America, United Way and Wexner Heritage Village. She was also the first Jewish teacher at Maryland Avenue Elementary School prior to beginning her most coveted roles as mother to six, grandmother to thirteen and great-grandmother to three. Her time with each of her grandchildren over the past almost 39 years produced the most beautiful of relationships.

She enjoyed nothing more than opening up and sharing her home. She left a lasting impression, whether it was the warmth, kindness or generosity she showed to others or her presence on various boards and committees, hoping to make a difference in the lives of others. She felt extremely fortunate for all she had and expressed often how lucky she was to have lived such a charmed life.

Shiva will take place at the Ellman residence on Sunday, January 7 from 6-8 pm and Monday through Thursday, January 8-11 from 1-3 pm and 5:30-7:30 pm. Services will be held Sunday at 6:00 pm and Monday through Thursday at 5:30 pm.

Donations in her memory can be made to benefit youth programs/scholarships at Congregation Tifereth Israel (www.tiferethisreal.org) or the Jewish Community Center (www.columbusjcc.org), Magen David Adom (www.afmda.org), or Oakstone Academy (www.oakstoneacademy.org)