Essie Douglas Obituary (2007) - Saint Louis Park, Minnesota

Essie Sadie Berkman Douglas (Grandma Essie) Age 98 ½, of St. Louis Park passed away December 15th. Preceded in death by her husband of 40 years, John Berkman who passed away in 1975, and by her 2nd husband, Dr. William Douglas, Miami, Florida; parents, Abraham and Jennie Sagarsky; sister and brother-in-law, Lillian and Eli Levinsohn. Survived by daughter, Brenda (Dr. Theodor) Litman of St. Louis Park; son, Jerry (Carolyn) Berkman of CA; grandchildren in Minneapolis, Gregg Litman and Scott (Paula) Litman; great-grandchildren, Mia and Shane Litman, Jackson and Chase Litman, and in California, grandchildren Anne Forrest and Max Webber and great grandchildren Sarah, Sophia and Josef Forrest. Born near Manchester, England in 1907, she grew up and spent most of her adult life in St. Paul, MN. A graduate of the University of Minnesota’s College of Pharmacy with honors in 1931, Essie was proud to be a member of the Rho Chi Academic Honor Society in Pharmacy. She was a pharmacist at Sansby Drug in St. Paul until she married and began to raise a family. Essie excelled at everything she did and was a perfectionist. She expertly sewed stylish garments, made delicious cinnamon rolls and beautiful braided coffee cakes, and amused people with her quick wit. She and John, enjoyed playing bridge and loved to travel. She was a wonderful wife, mother, and grandma. The family would like to thank her companions Sue Nygaard, Mary Reuben, Barbara Caldwell, Gloria Anokye, and Haymanot Balcha. They gave her such loving care in her years at Knollwood Place, Roitenberg Assisted Living and finally Sholom. We also thank the very good nurses, Ellen and Areet, and the aides at Sholom who helped Mother so much in her final days. Funeral service TUESDAY, 11:30AM, HODROFF-EPSTEIN MEMORIAL CHAPEL, 126 E. Franklin Ave, Mpls. Memorials preferred to Hadassah or Sholom Community Alliance, or donor’s favorite charity. SHIVA: Call funeral home for Location and Time.