Ethel Weiner Gross, born June 19, 1917, passed away peacefully on December 31, 2008 after a long life and a brief illness.  Ethel was preceded in death by her parents:  Max and Mollie Weiner; her beloved husband, Andrew Gross; and her sister, Fae Weiner, all of blessed memory.

     Ethel was born in New York City, and spent her married life in Fairfield, CT.  She was very active in synagogue life, the Democratic party and other civic and volunteer activities.  She was a topnotch Scrabble player and could always finish the Sunday New York Times crossword puzzle.  Although her loving husband died at the age of 57, Ethel continued to work and live a very active life which included many travels with her friends.

     After retiring from her bookkeeping job, she moved to Los Angeles, CA where she continued to volunteer for many organizations and enjoyed many hours with her grandchildren.  After moving to Asheville, NC she became active in Hadassah, volunteered for the Red Cross, the College for Seniors, Beth Israel and Beth HaTephila synagogues, and the Asheville Jewish Community Center.

     After losing her eyesight in 2005, she became a resident of Deerfield Episcopal Retirement Community.  Despite her many health challenges, she kept her commitments to the Jewish people, and political life.  She will be greatly missed by her family and friends, and always remembered and loved for her sharp mind, and her bravery and strength in the face of adversity.

     Ethel is survived by her son, Stuart, and his finance, Nikki Schweitzer, of San Diego, CA; daughter, Alison Gilreath and her husband, Frank, of Asheville; and grandchildren:  Andrea Berkey, Jonah Berkowitz and wife, Jennifer, Emma Berkey, Aimee Gross, and Kristin Gross; sisters:  Sarah Grochow, Thea Lecin; and brother, Nathan Weiner; as well as many nieces and nephews.

     The family wishes to express their profound appreciation to the nursing and social work staff of Deerfield, who provided excellent, respectful, and loving care throughout her three years of residence there.  Morris Funeral Home, 304 Merrimon Avenue, is assisting the family.