Jane Ellenbogen Oppenheim

Jane Ellenbogen Oppenheim, daughter of Blanche and Daniel, a resident of Scranton, PA and New York, NY, passed away on June 10, 2021.

Born in New York City, she graduated from Hunter College High School, Hunter College, and earned a master's degree at Columbia University. Jane married the late Richard Oppenheim Sr., Secretary-Treasurer of Oppenheim’s - The Scranton Dry Goods Company, and moved to Scranton. It was there she began her lifelong career of leadership and giving back through philanthropy, advocacy, and education. Jane was involved with and passionate about numerous local, New York, and national organizations. She served on countless boards, including Keystone College, University of Scranton - Board of Regents, United Neighborhood Centers, Everhart Museum, Voluntary Action Center, Junior League, CMC/Geisinger, Scranton Area Foundation, Temple Hesed, Union for Reform Judaism, Women of Reform Judaism, World Union for Judaism, and Hunter College. 

She was awarded an Honorary Doctoral Degree by The University of Scranton, named a Distinguished Daughter of Pennsylvania, and was a recipient of Keystone College’s Presidential Medallion and B'nai B'rith Americanism Award. In 2018, she was recognized by Jewish Family Services of Northeastern PA for her lifetime of service. 

To those who knew her best, she will be remembered as having rarely lost a game of Scrabble, Bridge, or Boggle, being an avid fan of Broadway, and traveling the world, where she made friends wherever she went. But most of all, she said that family was the major blessing in her life. She leaves behind 3 children (Richard Jr., John, Ellen and their spouses), 8 grandchildren (2 spouses and 1 fiancé), and one great grandchild to carry on her legacy.

Services will be held Monday at 10 a.m. in Temple Hesed, 1 Knox Road in Scranton.

Interment will be privately held.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Temple Hesed - religious school fund; United Neighborhood Center - Center for the Arts; and Jewish Family Services of Northeastern Pennsylvania.

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