Elena Goldman

Elena Dembovicius Goldman, beloved wife, devoted mother and grandmother, and cherished matriarch of El Paso's Jewish community, passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of 90 on June 23, 2025, in El Paso, Texas.

Elena is survived by her devoted husband of nearly six decades, Stanley Goldman, and her loving children Jacqueline Bart (Marc), Bryan Goldman (Sharon), and Denise Kaduri (Yair). She was the treasured Bobè of Max Goldman, Noah Goldman, Lior Kaduri, Eyal Kaduri, and Gilad Kaduri. She is also survived by a lifetime of friends who became family and generations of children whose lives she gently and joyfully shaped. Elena was preceded in death by her parents, Abel and Ana Dembovicius, her twin sister Gelma, and her older brother Aaron.

Born on April 21, 1935, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Elena shared a magical bond with her twin sister and grew up in a vibrant, close-knit Jewish household. A gifted student, she earned a master's degree in journalism from the University of Buenos Aires. She began her career as a fashion reporter for Clarín, Argentina's largest newspaper. Her writing was elegant, witty, and full of heart—just like her.

At 28, Elena bravely emigrated to the United States, settling in El Paso, where her first cousins, Alice Sichel Goldberg and Myrtle Rubin, welcomed her with open arms. She lived with Alice and her family while building a new life. Through a local matchmaker, Ida Thurman, Elena met Stanley— "Do I have a girl for you," she famously said. It was, indeed, a match made in heaven. Within six months, Elena and Stanley were married. Over the next six years, they built a beautiful family rooted in love, laughter, and purpose.

Elena quickly became a pillar of El Paso's Jewish community. For nearly two decades, she served as Preschool and Daycare Director, kitchen manager, and community ambassador at the Jewish Community Center. Her warmth, humor, and nurturing spirit left a lasting impression on generations of children and their families. Even after retiring, she served as a beloved substitute teacher and mentor.

A self-described social butterfly, Elena could make anyone feel welcome, special, and seen. She had an open heart, and a home filled with love and laughter. She adored her "Mexican Mafia" circle of friends—sisters by choice—who met for lunch, played Pokeno, and threw parties that became legendary for their joy and generosity. She made every guest feel like royalty, and every moment felt like a celebration.

To her family, Elena was Mamita—fierce, funny, loving, stubborn, and wise. She taught her children and grandchildren the value of kindness, resilience, and showing up for others. She lived her values through action—always helping someone, always giving of herself, always exuding love.

Instead of flowers, the family asks for donations in Elena's memory to the Jewish Federation of El Paso or Congregation B'nai Zion or Hadassah— organizations she loved so deeply.

May Elena's memory forever be a blessing and may her family be comforted by the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem. Her light will continue to shine in every life she touches and, in every story, shared around the tables she so lovingly filled.