Munster, Indiana
Iris Ourach, age 98, of Munster, Indiana passed away on Saturday, November 18, 2017 at Hartsfield Village Care Center in Munster, IN.
She was born on December 4, 1918, in Chicago, IL, to Nathan and Ruth (Bows) Karpen, who preceded her in death.
On April 9, 1942, Iris married Jack Ourach, who also preceded her in death.
Iris is survived by her children: Rabbi Robert (Linda) Ourach and Nancy (Stuart) Friedman; grandchildren: Sharon (Matthew Cohen) Ourach, Brian Ourach, Jonathan (Amy) Friedman, and Michael (Anna Schuettge) Friedman; two great-grandchildren; sister: Caryl Gross. She was preceded in death by her brother: Donald Karpen
Iris was an active participant and leader in her community. Iris served as President of Sinai Temple, Sinai Temple Sisterhood, and the League of Women Voters of Michigan City. She was Chairperson of the LaPorte County Cancer Crusade and provided valuable service to the Michigan City United Way as a Board Member, Residential Chairperson for the Fund Drive in 1968, Member of the Budget and Allocations Committee, and a Unit Solicitor.
Iris was entrusted to serve on many boards and committees, such as: Olin Sang Ruby Union Institute Camp, Midwest Federation of Temple Sisterhoods, Chicago Federation of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations, Community Service Council, Fair Housing Committee, and the LaPorte County Comprehensive Mental Health Center.
She helped organize the Visiting Nurses Association of LaPorte County, of which she was a charter member and served tor two years as their president. The Hospice Program undertaken by the Visiting Nurse Association was a result of study and recommendation by Iris. She was recognized with Sinai Temple’s Distinguished Service Award and Sinai Temple’s Distinguished Sisterhood Service Award.
She loved her family with all her heart, worked tirelessly for numerous good causes and continued to form deep and lasting friendships through every decade of her life. She was beloved for her boundless loving kindness, compassion, genuine interest in others, and optimism.
Visitation for family and friends will be held on Tuesday, November 21, 2017 from 9:00 to 10:00 AM at Sinai Temple, 2800 Franklin Street, Michigan City, Indiana.
Funeral Services will take place on Tuesday, November 21, 2017 at 10:00 AM at Sinai Temple with Rabbi Stephen Pearce officiating.
Burial to follow at Sinai Temple Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Sinai Temple Endowment Fund in Michigan City, IN or Hospice of the Calumet Area in Munster, IN.
I became friends with Iris later in her life, during Judaism classes with her son, Rabbi Ourach. We became fast friends, a friendship I will forever treasure. I just love her and feel so sad she's gone. Fly the blue skies, Iris! Send us a message now and again, won't you? I have hot tea waiting for you.. xox kath
K A Hamada
December 05, 2017 | Fresno, CA
My heart broke into pieces upon learning of Iris' passing. Twelve years ago when flying from Chicago to Denver on a return trip from work, I happened to sit next to the most lovely woman named Iris. I was newly pregnant with my first child, not telling a soul, when I found myself telling this sweet Iris everything. We chatted the entire flight and as we landed, Iris shared with me that she would love to hear when the baby was born. I took her address and shared our birth announcement through...
Becky Konjevod
December 03, 2017 | Broomfield, CO
Bob, Linda and your loved ones,
Mark and I send our deepest condolences to you during this very difficult time. Thinking of you...
Robin Salsberg
November 23, 2017 | Merrick, NY
Dear Mark and Nancy,
Many of my fondest memories of Michigan City and Sinai Temple included your parents. Please accept my deepest sympathy.
Mike Winski
November 21, 2017 | Lafayette, LA
Dear Nancy, Please have my deepest condolences and respects. After almost 50 years I still remember her as an exceptionally warm and caring person. She freely gave much of herself, to the Jewish community of course, but also to the community as a whole. In doing so, she made our town a good place in which to live. And she made the world a better place. Please know that you, your brother, your spouses and your children are in our prayers.
Shalom.
Jim Williams
Jim Williams
November 21, 2017 | Silver Spring, MD
As someone who came into the community later, I still remember the warmth and compassion that Iris and Jack expressed whenever we were in town. I still use and treasure the High Holy Day Chumash that they presented to me when I became a ger. Iris's memory will very much be a blessing to us.
Pekka Sinervo
November 18, 2017 | Toronto, ON
I have to have faith that Iris heard the message I asked you to whisper to her on Friday. Being a valued member of her fan base was my privilege. Her vitality slipped away peacefully I hope. I will never forget her...or the rest of the Ouarchs. If I were not scheduled for eye surgery on Tuesday morning I would be with you at her beloved Sinai Temple in MC and to honour her with my shovelful. I am smiling through my tears with all the memories. Love and hugs
Pat Sinervo
November 18, 2017 | Toronto, ON
