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Eric Jelin Obituary
As director of the Johns Hopkins Children's Center Fetal Program, Eric led the trailblazing Renal Anhydramnios Fetal Therapy (RAFT) study with a prestigious R01 grant. A masterful surgeon, Eric's research and operating skills were matched only by his profound human connection to his patients and their families.
Eric lived his life with a radiant intensity, operating at full velocity in all he did. He was ferociously devoted to the people he loved and brought that relentless energy into his medical practice, where he pioneered techniques to save lives for conditions many other doctors deemed lethal. He was awarded the Judith Folkman Prize from the American Pediatric Surgery Association.
He is predeceased by sister Sandra Jelin Plouffe and survived by his parents, Bram and Margie, brother Ben (Shannon), cherished wife Angie, fantastic children Max and Kyra, nieces, nephews, countless cousins, friends and grateful patients.
50 Entries
Ashley Williams
January 21, 2024
I just learned of Dr. Jelin´s passing. He saved my son´s life in 2017. He was willing to operate on a tumor that no other Hopkins doctor would touch. He was with us every step of the way afterwards and absolutely went above and beyond. We are forever grateful for his skill and compassion. I hope his family has been able to find peace. Prayers for Eric and his family.
BS
March 22, 2022
I was lucky enough to spend a few days with Dr. Eric in Spring of 2021. He encouraged me in my life goal to help others, and I will ensure that continues to propel me.
But I am so sorry. May he rest in peace and love.
Georgia
November 29, 2021
I am so sorry to learn about the passing of Dr. Jelin. He was my sons doctor. He was kind and compassionate to my nervous little boy. I wish his family peace during this difficult time. I am so sorry.
Best,
Georgia
Camp Robin Hood
October 14, 2021
How you can show support
Camp Robin Hood
October 14, 2021
Camp Robin Hood
October 14, 2021
Camp Robin Hood
October 14, 2021
Camp Robin Hood
October 14, 2021
Eric at Camp Robin Hood
Rose Fiore
September 14, 2021
I'm so sad to hear of this tragic loss. I was a patient of Dr. Jelin's years ago. I was just a terrified 16 year old at the time, and he gave me hope. His passion for medicine got me interested in it as a career. I am now in my 3rd year of undergrad studying biomedical sciences. I hoped to have the honor of shadowing him, but unfortunately, that day will not come. My condolences to his family and friends.
Tippi MacKenzie
July 27, 2021
Eric was an incredible person; a brilliant doctor with a giant heart and an incredible sense of humor. It was a privilege to know him and I will keep his memory in my heart forever. Wishing peace and comfort to Angie, Max, Kyra and the countless people his brilliant life has touched.
Melanie and Lou Blankenship.
July 17, 2021
We are so very sorry to hear about the passing of Eric. We will continue to keep Angie and their children in our thoughts and prayers. May he Rest In Peace
Ruchika
June 17, 2021
I met Eric while doing my postdoctoral research at USCF. He was the first friend I made in the lab - always beaming and so full of energy. More than a decade since I met him, I fondly remember him for his infectious laughter, knowledge on fetal development, unsurpassing love for Angie and Max, and his addition to all apple products. We've lost a doctor par excellence and a very loving and happy friend who touched everyone's lives with such positivity. Lots of love and hugs to Angie and the kids
Nanouka Mercado
June 3, 2021
Dr. Jelin was incredible. He operated on my son 2x, and both times he was always kind and empathetic. I trusted my son’s life in his hands because I knew how skilled he was. I’m keeping his wife and children in my thoughts and prayers, they shouldn’t have to go through this. RIP
Arya Shirazi
June 1, 2021
I am so sad to learn this news. Eric was a Baseball teammate of mine in High School, he was a Freshman when I was a senior. I remember him as a good player, and an even better person & teammate. After all these years, his kindness & positivity continue to resonate. The world has lost a valuable soul.
Marlyse SFGH
May 29, 2021
So sad to hear this devastating news... he was a good doctor. It was nice working with him at SFGH. Rest in eternal peace with the Lord Eric ...
Jennifer Friendlich
May 26, 2021
Dr. Jelin,
I am absolutely saddened to the depths of my heart when I read the news. You were hands down the nicest most caring down to earth Doctor I EVER met. My daughter had to have surgery and you completely calmed my nerves and made me feel safe about it. The day of the surgery was the same exact, you reassured me, made me feel positive and strong about what was happening with my daughter. Why you had to leave this earth is beyond me. I know you are else where making a huge difference, just like you did hear on earth.
Thank you Dr. Jelin and may you Rest In Peace.
Jess I.
May 24, 2021
I only had the pleasure of working with Dr. Jelin very briefly, but I am grateful to have had the opportunity. He was always so nice, jovial, made some bad jokes, and was generous. My condolences to all of his loved ones.
Isabel Blevins
May 22, 2021
Dr jelin,
Thank you. Thank you for being one of the most influential people in my life. Time and time again , you defended me, fought for me, and encouraged me in ways that no one else could. You will always be my “Angel in Scrubs”, and now you are truly an angel living without any pain or suffering. Sometimes I really don’t get why life happens the way that it does, but I know that Jesus led us to you for countless reasons. You will always have a special place in my heart. I am forever grateful for you. I will miss you, your smile and the way that it could always reassure me, and the encouragement you always brought in some of the most difficult moments of my life. It’s hard to understand why Jesus took you home so soon, but I am praising Him for relieving you from any pain and suffering you have experienced in the recent months. My heart aches for your family and for everyone that you have cared for because I know that many of us lost someone so very special to us. You changed my life. I’m still proud of all of my scars and happily tell everyone that you did an amazing job every time you operated on me. Even though I don’t get to hug you on this earth anymore, I look forward to hugging you in heaven while I’m walking on the streets made of gold. I feel honored to have met you and see how many great things can be accomplished when you care about your patient and the life they are living. You taught me about what it meant to be a good doctor (good really doesn’t do you justice at all). You reminded me that there’s always always an angel around ready to fight for me and protect me. Thank you, Dr. J.
With overflowing gratitude and love,
Isabel Blevins
Immaculate
May 22, 2021
It's with profound sadness to learn of the death of Dr. Jelin! Death you're cruel... you robbed us of such a brilliant loving and compassionate Dr. I I remeber when we took our daughter for Umblical Hernia, he told me and my husband that I will do my best to make her waist line..... it's so had to comprehend that Dr. Jelin is dead. Condolences to his wife, the beautiful children and the entire family.
Rest in peace Dr. Jelin
Doug Miniati
May 21, 2021
Eric was a positive force, brilliant mind, and shining light in the world. We shared many great years and good times in the lab and I loved seeing him move on to bigger adventures in his training and career. I am so proud of what he achieved and am heartbroken for his family. May his memory be a blessing. Rest In Peace, Eric.
Christine
May 21, 2021
When my husband and I found out we were pregnant in 2020 we were so excited. We soon learned after an early scan our child had an omphaloceles We researched everywhere and found Dr.Jelin. We were extremely scared ,but when we meet him he was so nice. He made us feel so comfortable and the way he explained everything was so reassuring. He would constantly check up on my son after he was born and he wasn't even the surgeon assigned to him.
I just cant thank him enough for the kindness he showed during our difficult time. We feel truly blessed to have meet him. He will be missed....
Bettina Lawson
May 21, 2021
My entire family is saddened by the passing of Dr. Jelin. He saved my daughters life in 2018, I will always remember him telling me “ I will take care of her as if she was my own child.” After a 8 hour surgery he did just that and more. Praying for comfort for his family during this time.
Bettina Lawson
May 21, 2021
My entire family is saddened by the passing of Dr. Jelin. He saved my daughters life in 2018, I will always remember him telling me “ I will take care of her as if she was my own child.” After a 8 hour surgery he did just that and more. Praying for comfort for his family during this time.
Meagan Young
May 21, 2021
I am a former patient of Dr. Jelin, he preformed surgery on me earlier this year that gave me my life back. He listened to me and believed when no one else would and I will be forever grateful to him. His kind, caring demeanor and great sense of humor will be sorely missed. Condolences to his friends and family for their great loss.
Patrick Olanya
May 21, 2021
Eric was a very unique & exceptional person and a blessing to us from God. He made our daughters surgery situation really look very easy. His smile and assurance gave us peace for a medical case that we have been praying for and hoping for a miracle since our daughter was 6 months old in 2008. After the surgery in 2018 Eric came and told us it was complicated but it went well and she would heal in days. Our heartfelt condolence to Eric's family. May his Soul rest in eternal peace through the mercy of God Amen.
Cathy Baldino
May 21, 2021
He is greatly missed. Deep condolences to his family.
Renata Sanders
May 21, 2021
What a wonderful person, colleague and surgeon. He will be missed.
Grace Nicksa
May 20, 2021
Eric was a remarkable person with an incredibly kind heart. His dry sense of humor, quick wit, and thoughtful insights will be dearly missed. Angie, Max, and Kyra my thoughts and prayers are with you during this painful time with heartfelt condolences.
Howard J. Birenbaum, MD
May 20, 2021
My sympathies to his family. As the former Director of Neonatology at Greater Baltimore Medical Center I worked with Dr. Jelin in caring for sick neonates requiring his expertise. He will be sorely missed.
Carol Miner
May 20, 2021
The news of Dr. Jelins passing rocked this family. He performed two different surgeries for my daughter for two separate and serious issues at the same time on the same day. Before and after the surgery he eased my daughters fears with his warm engaging personality and confidence. With each conversation you could tell how much he cared for her as a human being, not just a patient. We are blessed to have known him. He was the best at what he did and challenged others to rise to do their best. Our hearts and prayers go out to his wife and children, his colleagues and patients. Those who knew him were deeply impacted by his amazing generosity of spirit.
Carol Miner
May 20, 2021
The news of Dr. Jelins passing rocked this family. He performed two different surgeries for my daughter for two separate and serious issues at the same time on the same day. Before and after the surgery he eased my daughters fears with his warm engaging personality and confidence. With each conversation you could tell how much he cared for her as a human being, not just a patient. We are blessed to have known him. He was the best at what he did and challenged others to rise to do their best. Our hearts and prayers go out to his wife and children, his colleagues and patients. Those who knew him were deeply impacted by his amazing generosity of spirit.
Christy Sadreameli
May 20, 2021
Eric was a great surgeon and I appreciated his thoughtful and caring approach to patients. Deepest condolences to his family.
Christy Sadreameli
May 20, 2021
Eric was a great surgeon, and I appreciated his thoughtful and caring approach to his patients- we shared many over the years. Deepest condolences to his family.
Maria Pane
May 20, 2021
I am a NICU physician at Greater Baltimore Medical Center. I’ve known Eric for several years. He was always kind and compassionate and supportive to our needs in the NICU. He always found time to answer my calls and update me and check on our mutual patients. I am so sorry to hear of his death. He will be greatly missed by so many. To his family and friends - know that he touched the lives of so many people and worked so hard to care for his patients and others. He had such an amazing talent and gifted hands as a surgeon. He was an incredible human being. His death brings forth so many emotions especially for healthcare providers who work tirelessly for the good of others always. Eric - you will be greatly missed.
Mary Brandt
May 20, 2021
Holding his family, friends and colleagues in the Light.
Mary Brandt
May 20, 2021
Holding his family, friends and colleagues in the Light.
Sally Bitzer
May 20, 2021
Eric brought humor and contagious kind energy to his skillful care in the OR.He will be sorely missed but his legacy and memory will abide with us. May his family find comfort and peace in his love for them.
Denise
May 20, 2021
Dr. Jelin was great to work with in the operating room and even performed surgery on our youngest child. He was an excellent surgeon and was a pleasure to see in the office as well. He did so well with our little girl. He will be missed greatly. Rip. And prayers to the ones left behind.
Marjorie ARca
May 20, 2021
Eric Jelin was a light in Pediatric Surgery. We are all slightly diminished by his loss. My prayers and deepest condolences to his family, his work family, and his patients
Lonna
May 19, 2021
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Geetha Bhat
May 19, 2021
Dr.Jelin was unique. He helped mour child when no one else would. He was not just competent but very kind too.
Sincere prayers for strength for the family to withstand this irreplaceable loss.
Geetha and Krishna
(Divya’s parents)
Geetha Bhat
May 19, 2021
In loving memory of a wonderful person. Dr.Jelin saved my daughter’s life. I have never met another doctors who has treated a parent with so much respect. Sincere prayers to the family for strength to withstand this irreplaceable loss.
Geetha Bhat
Krishna Bhat
Divya Bhat
Diana Farmer
May 19, 2021
So sad to hear this news and my love and support go out to Angie and the rest of the family. I will never forget his time in “the lab” at UCSF and the fantastic adventures in science!
Nick Dalesio
May 19, 2021
He was a great colleague and friend with a great sense of humor. I’m going to miss him immensely!
Eunice Vergara
May 19, 2021
Eric was a jolly and very friendly person. He remembers my name all the time even after his rounds at the transplant unit at UCSF. I’m heartbroken but all I can do is say a prayer for you and your family who are left behind. May your soul test in peace Eric. You’ll be greatly missed by your colleagues.
Joanne Shay MD
May 19, 2021
Eric will be sorely missed. My heartfelt condolences to his family. His Memory is a blessing to all.
Ina woodstein
May 19, 2021
I had the honor of meeting Eric at camp robin hood. He was so kind to my late husband who was quite ill at the time. I am woodys mom. My condolences to your entire family.
Hilary Heslep
May 19, 2021
I worked with Dr. Jelin and enjoyed our conversations very much. He was like Tigger in his boundless zest for all things. My heart goes out to his nearest and dearest.
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