Vera Eisenman
September 29, 1926 – March 21, 2026
Vera Eisenman, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great- grandmother, passed away peacefully at the age of 99. Born on September 29, 1926, Vera’s life was a testament to resilience, strength, and unwavering love for her family.
Vera’s journey began in a small village outside Minsk, Belarus, where she left home at the tender age of 17 during the turmoil of WW II. In those difficult times, she met and married her husband Jacob. Together, they faced the horrors of the war and its aftermath, which included searching for Jacob’s family in Poland, only to discover the heartbreaking truth that they had all perished during the Holocaust.
In October 1960, with hope and determination, Vera and Jacob embarked on a new chapter, leaving their home behind and setting sail for America with their four young children. Speaking no English, and sponsored by Jacob’s uncle, they arrived in New York City with just a few belongings. Their plans changed when the uncle discovered Vera was not Jewish, and retracted his sponsorship. Stranded, they were then assisted by the Rochester Jewish Welfare and settled in Rochester where the garment industry thrived and Jacob could find work in tailoring at Projansky’s.
Despite these challenges, Vera’s resolve only strengthened. She attended night school to learn English, worked cleaning houses, and was employed as a seamstress. She also had a fifth child.
Vera’s life was defined by hard work, love for her family, and a deep connection to the world around her. She and Jacob saved every penny they could and purchased their first home after only three years in the United States, achieving the ‘American Dream” of home ownership. Years later, after saving more, borrowing some, they opened their own custom tailoring shop in W. Irondequoit, where they worked side by side, building a business and giving family members and friends a place to help and make some extra cash. “Jacob’s Tailor Shop” still stands on Titus Ave., near the House of Guitars.
A woman of many passions, Vera was a gifted seamstress, an avid reader, a lover of animals – especially cats. She took great joy in cooking, whereby her matzo ball soup and “plotskis” (potato pancakes) were legendary. She enjoyed gardening, hosting family dinners, playing dominoes, and feeding the birds. Her nurturing spirit and love of life will be deeply missed, by all who knew her.
Vera is predeceased by her husband, Jacob, grandson Michael, and daughter-in-law, Billie. She is survived by her five children, Anna Arcoleo (Angelo), Michael Eisenman, Roza Eisenman, Ella Eisenman (Lisa Van Parys), and David Eisenman (Carolyn); her 8 grandchildren; 14 great- grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren.
Vera’s legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched with her kindness, humor, wisdom, and unyielding spirit. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Lollipop Farm, in honor of Vera’s love of animals.
SERVICE: A private family service will be held at Mt. Hope Cemetery on May 22nd.
CELEBRATION of LIFE: Family and friends are invited to celebrate Vera’s life on May 22nd, 4:00pm at 159 Mont Morency Dr., Greece, NY 14612.
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