Estelle Gross
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Estelle Ann Eisenstock Gross 11/21/25 of Longmeadow , died on Sept. 20 at Glenmeadow. Daughter of Harry and Lillian Eisenstock and late sister Margaret and brother James and a predeceased brother Jimmie. Born in Springfield , MA she attended Classical High School and went on to get her nursing degree from Russell Sage College ( Albany , NY ). She met her late husband, Dr. Harold Gross when they were kids. He was a physician at Baystate Medical Center , and she a surgical nurse. . She is survived by her only child, Donalyn Gross of Springfield/Longmeadow.
Estelle had many talents- A registered nurse, she was an exceptional artist (oils, sculpture), classical pianist, ice skater, commercial pilot (her husband was also a pilot) and flew their own plane. Both were world travelers often with Donalyn in tow. A horseback rider and instructor at Shallowbrook Stables in Somers , CT , she trained her thoroughbred Pasha and participated in many horse shows. A fearless equestrian, she loved cantering through the fields, as well as riding/training others horses .She was a member of the "Old Ladies Jump Team". Estelle was a member of the ACLU and the Springfield Teachers' Union , staunchly defending many political issues and marching for justice. As an English teacher, she was an avid reader, and friends often requested her expertise regarding grammar. Her friends knew never to argue with her about politics! She loved chess, jogging, playing tennis, later went back to school and got her Master's Degree from AIC, and taught 5th grade in the Springfield School System (DeBerry, Washington St. and Forest Park Jr. High) for 30 years.
Estelle adored all animals of the world (especially cats) and enjoyed feeding the birds, raccoons, deer and anyone else who showed up outside her kitchen. She knew all the neighborhood dogs by name (not their owners). She loved nature (so much she constantly wound up with allergic reactions from exploring unknown plants) all PBS programs, and the whole world. She wasn't afraid of any new challenges such as hot air ballooning, water skiing in Cuba , exploring Africa and South America with her husband, and later with pal Doris Brodeur, going off on their own without any guides in Africa, China and Alaska . She especially loved being with her daughter, was extremely supportive, proud of Donalyn's variety of professions in rock bands, teaching at Bay Path University, playing harp for the dying (she used to tell her friends- "If you hear the harp-RUN!") and supporting many animal agencies. They were best friends- growing up wearing "mother and daughter" matching dresses, modern dance classes, painting classes, going to the Hobby Shop on weekends for new projects, numerous trips to museums in New York, attending Broadway musicals, doing so many things together.
She leaves her daughter, Donalyn, sister-in-law Mildred Eisenstock,, niece Phyllis Eisenstock of Framingham, MA and nephew Marc Eisenstock (Debbie) Marlborough, MA, nieces and nephews, pal/tennis player/teacher/travel buddy Doris Brodeur, wonderful friend Dora McGowan, kind, sweet Chris McMahon (her red-headed Republican), and many friends and animals.
Thank you to all of her friends, EVERYONE- staff and residents at Glenmeadow who knew and worked with mom. Your nurses and aides are amazing!!! (and patient!). Thank you for the incredible staff of Spectrum Hospice. Unbelievable care and compassion! Thank you to Maureen Bernard's Team (413-557-4163) and her group of the most incredible angel aides. She loved you all!! Her apartment was always filled with such love! Glenmeadow is the most wonderful place to live and Spectrum Hospice is the best!
Her funeral will be private.
Donations may be made to The Elephant Sanctuary, P.O.Box 393 , Hochenwald , TN 38462 , T.J. O'Connor Animal Shelter, 627 Cottage St .. Springfield, MA 01104, Glenmeadow Retirement, 24 Tabor Crossing, Longmeadow, 01106, Shriners Hospitals, Spectrum Hospice 770 Converse St. Longmeadow , or any animal and environmental groups. The Ascher-Zimmerman Funeral Home is helping the family.