Elaine "Goodie" Knobel nee Goodman. Beloved wife of the late Rabbi Peter S. Knobel. Goodie was born on July 1, 1944 in Newark, NJ to the late Mildred (nee Kushner) Goodman and Stanley Stickler, who was killed during World War II. She was later adopted by Mildred's second husband of 24 years, Mickey Goodman. She grew up in West Orange, NJ, was a graduate of Mountain High School, and earned a teaching degree from National College of Education in Evanston, IL. She taught elementary school. Goodie was proud to serve as a Rebbetzin at Temple Emmanuel in New London, CT and later at Beth Emet The Free Synagogue in Evanston, IL. She was a travel agent extraordinaire. In retirement, she found great fulfillment as a doting grandma. Goodie married Peter in 1966. Their marriage was a lifetime love affair. They were devoted to each other, their faith, and their family. Together they traveled the world, enjoyed art, indulged in fine dining, hosted dinner parties, enjoyed listening to symphonies, and cheered on teams at an occasional sporting event. She is survived by her sons Seth Knobel and Jeremy Knobel and daughter- in-law Alyssa (nee Feinberg) Knobel. She is also survived by her six grandchildren; Leah, Alana, Heather, Stephen, Lily, and Oliver. She was sister to Judy and Tom Varga and Howard and Janet Goodman; nieces and nephews, Lauren (nee Yanoff) and Louie Shapiro, Michele Yanoff, Scott Goodman and Dana (nee Goodman) Yann Butticker. Service Thursday 10AM Beth Emet The Free Synagogue, 1224 Dempster Street, Evanston, IL 60202. Interment Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Beth Emet The Free Synagogue, www.bethemet.org. Due to the pandemic there are capacity limits, and we may not be able to accommodate all those who wish to attend the funeral in-person. Please register below, and you will receive a confirmation by Wednesday morning. All attendees are required to be up-to-date in their vaccinations (including a booster) and wear a properly fitting mask at all times. To attend the funeral live stream, please visit our website. Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals - Skokie Chapel, 847.229.8822, www.cjfinfo.com

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Published by Chicago Tribune from Feb. 11 to Feb. 13, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Elaine Knobel

8 Entries

Jackie - Nails By Tam

February 13, 2022

Ms. Goodie, thank you so much for your wonderful baking skill and your caring for me throughout the season.

I remembered Ms. Goodie shared with me about her special dinner for her anniversary and also how much she missed her husband.

Rest in peace Ms. Goodie - Jackie will definitely miss you a lot....

Phyllis and Barry Bienstock

February 13, 2022

We are so sorry to hear about Elaine´s passing. We were members of Temple Emanuel in Waterford CT when Peter was our Rabbi. Elaine was a special woman and greatly missed when she and Peter moved to IL. They both will be remembered by so many and May her memory be for a blessing.

Josh Rosenblum

February 13, 2022

I´m sorry. I´ve known her a long time. She was at my bar mitzvah. She always gave me a big hug at services. And asked me how I´m doing.

Warren Rosenblum

February 13, 2022

All my best to Jeremy and Seth. I have nothing but the fondest memories of your mom. She was always such a welcoming presence at Beth Emet - someone who truly made the place feel like home. May her memory be a blessing.

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Carolyn Sherman

February 12, 2022

I will never forget Elaine Knobel, rebbetzin extraordinaire! I was a long-time member of Beth Emet until Rabbi Knobel retired. Elaine was such an exceptional person, and together she and Peter were a really loving team. She set the example of what a rebbetzin should be. My condolences to her wonderful loving family.

Jane

February 12, 2022

Wishing the family peace and comfort

Yvonne Marcuzzi

February 12, 2022

I am so sorry to read about the death of your loved one. Please accept my deepest condolences. May the God of all comfort be with your family during this most difficult time.

Lauri Jaffe

February 11, 2022

I was so very sad to hear this. Elaine and I spoke "regularly" on the phone, on and off. I've been thinking about her a lot lately- hadn't spoken since New Years time. I was so glad she seemed happy to be in Florida and feeling relatively good, etc. She and my mom were such very close friends, so Elaine and I could speak very directly, honestly (like my mom!) and openly about both our lives and medical issues and more. I'll miss her. I love that she and Rabbi Knobel had a lifelong love affair and she loved to say so too. I hope their hearts find each other again in peace and love. My deep sympathies to Seth & Jeremy and your full loving extended, large family. Elaine lived life her way and impacted so many, separate from just being the "rabbi's wife". She wasn't "just" anything. She was her and she was fun, funny, upbeat, a great cook and baker and honest. May her memory be for a blessing for all who knew her.

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