Eileen Diane Hamburg passed away peacefully in her sleep on April 17, after a courageous 10-month battle with glioblastoma. She had just turned 79. Born on April 6, 1946, in Shaker Heights, Ohio, to the late Janet and Sidney Kravitz, Eileen was one of four sisters and grew up with a love of learning and creativity that shaped the course of her life.
Eileen graduated from Shaker Heights High School and went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in education and history from Kent State University in 1968 — a foundation that sparked her lifelong passion for teaching and sharing knowledge. As a teenager, Eileen worked summers at the family business, National Auto Wrecking, gaining an early appreciation for hard work and family values. During her youth, she also traveled extensively, including two memorable trips to Europe that opened her eyes to the wider world and inspired her lifelong curiosity.
Eileen started her career in interior decorating which allowed her to tap into her creativity to create beautiful, meaningful spaces. She eventually discovered her passion in teaching and tour guiding where she truly came alive by connecting with others and inspiring curiosity. Eileen found her true soulmate in Mervyn “Moish” Hamburg and together they built a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and travel, splitting their time between Potomac, Maryland, Sarasota, Florida and many summers in Bethany Beach, Delaware.
Eileen is survived by her devoted husband Moish; two sons, Greg Mednik (Tracy) and Jeff Polkes; sister Susan; three stepchildren Lisa (Craig), Jon and Jennifer; and 10 grandchildren Sydney, Ashley, Hunter, Anna, Melissa, Gabrielle, Ryan, Jacob, Noah and Naomi who all adored their “Grammy” and brought her immense pride and joy. In lieu of flowers, donations in Eileen’s memory may be made to Marie Selby Botanical Gardens or B’nai B’rith Youth Organization DC Council ([email protected]).