Elissa Flaumenhaft

1941 - 2024

Elissa Sandra Flaumenhaft

November 11, 1941 - March 11, 2024

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina - Elissa Sandra Flaumenhaft passed away peacefully and surrounded by loved ones on March 11, 2024, in Savannah, Georgia, at the age of 82. She was born on November 11, 1941 to the late Anne Giventer.

Elissa was a beautiful person, both inside and out. She grew up in an apartment in the Sheepshead Bay section of Brooklyn. She demonstrated a gift for the visual arts at a young age and received an Associate's Degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City in 1959. She further expanded her knowledge by taking classes at numerous colleges and universities, and she earned her Bachelor's Degree from the University of New Haven with a double major in Art and History. She explored careers in clothing design until she married Frank Flaumenhaft on June 18, 1961 and bore three sons: Michael (1962), Robert (1964), and Alan (1966). An avid reader with an encyclopedic memory and limitless vocabulary, Elissa obtained a Master's in Library Science from Southern Connecticut State University. She served as a librarian at Southern Connecticut State University and then worked in a bookstore while her children were in school. She was a devoted mother to her three boys. A loyal fan at each sports game, she supported their interests and boundless appetites. After living in various communities in the northeast and midwest, she and her family settled in Orange, Connecticut. Elissa retired with her husband to Hilton Head Island and spent a great deal of time as a tennis player to partner with her husband. She spent summers in Otis, Massachusetts and enjoyed various past times. Her love of art continued throughout her life. She delighted in reading and belonged to several book clubs. Her latest passions were watching and playing tennis until she developed a knee injury, playing Mahjong, and playing Canasta. Above all, Elissa cherished her role as a mother to her three sons and a grandmother to her seven grandchildren, all of whom adored her.

Elissa dedicated herself to learning about the world around her and sharing her knowledge with those she loved. Elissa was beautiful and had a distinct drive for finding, recognizing, and creating beauty. She had a keen eye for art and adorned every home she lived in with charming crafts. Her artistic creativity extended to many media - painting, ceramics, sketches. Elissa was a lifelong learner and knew a lot about a lot. Private and humble in conversation, she quietly left an impression on those lucky enough to be charmed by her quick wit and deep curiosity. Elissa had an intuitive sense of nurture and selflessly cared for those she loved. Calm, patient, and thoughtful, she was a compassionate and insightful listener. She understood the needs of others and generously dedicated herself to family and friends. She had an individual relationship with each of her family members. A proud mother and grandmother, her legacy of grace, humility and wisdom lives on in each of her sons and grandchildren. Anyone who knew Elissa liked her, and anyone who really knew her loved her.

Elissa is survived by her devoted husband of 62 years, Frank Flaumenhaft. She is lovingly remembered by her three sons and daughters-in-law: Michael and Beth Flaumenhaft, Robert and Lisa Flaumenhaft, and Alan and Carol Flaumenhaft. She is also survived by seven grandchildren: Justin, Elissa, Jennifer, Lauren, Colin, James, and Jack Flaumenhaft. Elissa will be deeply missed by her family as well as all who knew her, and her memory will live on in the hearts of those she touched.

A ceremony to honor and remember Elissa will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of The Low County, Bluffton, South Carolina on March 30th, 2024, at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Volunteers in Medicine Clinic on Hilton Head Island in Elissa's memory. The funeral arrangements are being handled by Simplicity: Low Country Cremation and Burial Services in Bluffton, South Carolina.