Elsa Heilbronn Hafkin Epstein age 100 formerly of Bethlehem died in Israel Sept 24, 2026. Born in Schmalnau Germany she fled Nazi Persecution and came to USA  in 1937 at age 11 as part of a special Kindertransport to USA  under the auspices of HIAS. She was raised by the Arthur & Betty Lehrich family of  Bethlehem and grew up with the 3 Lehrich brothers. She was predeceased by her husband David Epstein in 2003 her husband Lt. Burt Hafkin in 1951 her sisters Edith and Margot her brother Ira Lehrich and her grandson Amit Schiller. She graduated with honors in English from Liberty High School and then obtained her RN diploma from Johns Hopkins School of Nursing. She worked in nursing when not raising her children.

She is survived by her son Burt J Hafkin of Spring Grove, Pa her brothers Paul Lehrich of CA and Henry Lehrich MD of Bethesda MD her daughters Margot Baum and Ruth Schiller and 6 Grandchildren all of Israel. Funeral was held in Israel.