Elene Sue Kirschner's Obituary
With profound sadness and broken hearts, the family of Elene S. Kirschner announces her passing on Wednesday May 20,2026, at the age of 70 following a long and courageous battle with ovarian cancer.
Born in Elizabethton, Tennessee, and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Elene graduated from Kingsborough Community College and carried throughout her life the warmth, resilience, and values that defined her upbringing. In 1979, she and her husband, Mitchell ("Mitch") Kirschner, made South Florida their home, where they built a life filled with family, friendship, and love.
Elene was the beloved wife and best friend of Mitch for fifty-four years. Together they shared a remarkable marriage of 50 years, built on devotion, partnership, laughter, and unwavering love. Through every season of life, they stood side by side, creating a home where family always came first.
She was the loving mother of Dara Lustig and Daniel Kirschner, and embraced Dara's husband Daniel Lustig, and Daniel's wife, Jamie Kirschner, as her own children; all of whom were the source of immense pride and joy throughout her life. She was also the cherished grandmother of Jacob Lustig, Madeline Kirschner, Benjamin Lustig, Emery Kirschner, and Parker Abraham Kirschner. Her grandchildren were among the greatest blessings of her life, and she delighted in every opportunity to spend time with them, celebrate their accomplishments, and surround them with love.
Elene was, above all else, a family person. She measured the success of her life not by professional accomplishments or recognition, but by the happiness of her husband, children, and grandchildren. Their joys were her joys, and their well-being was always her greatest concern.
She was known for her gentle nature, easygoing spirit, kindness, grace and beauty. Universally loved by all who knew her, Elene possessed a rare ability to make people feel welcome, comfortable, and valued. She carried herself with warmth and quiet dignity, and she touched countless lives through simple acts of generosity, compassion, and friendship.
She especially treasured holidays and family gatherings, spending hours in the kitchen creating meals from recipes she had collected over the years. The family table was the center of her world, and it was there that she created many of the memories her family will forever hold dear. Through those gatherings, she expressed her love in the way she knew best—by bringing people together.
Throughout her illness, Elene faced extraordinary challenges with courage and strength. While her family mourns her passing and the tremendous void her absence leaves behind, they take comfort in knowing that her suffering has ended and that the love she gave so freely remains with them always.
Elene leaves behind her devoted husband Mitch; her loving children, Dara Lustig, Dara’s husband Daniel Lustig, Daniel Kirschner, Daniel’s wife Jamie Kirschner, her treasured grandchildren, Jacob Lustig, Madeline Kirschner, Benjamin Lustig, Emery Kirschner, and Parker Abraham Kirschner; and many relatives and friends whose lives were enriched by knowing her.
Elene will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered.
Her legacy lives on in the family she cherished, the traditions she created, and the love she shared throughout her life.
May her memory forever be a blessing.
Those wishing to honor Elene with a memorial contribution are kindly encouraged to consider a donation to the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition at:
https://ovarian.org/
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