Myra (Lorber) Epstein

Myra L. Epstein, 83, of Indianapolis, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 7. Myra was born in 1939 to Harry and Mary Lorber. She grew up in Columbia City, IN with her widowed mother and sister, LuAnn. When she lost her father at the tender age of five, her uncles rallied around the three Lorber ladies, making sure they were provided for. That principle of “family first” set in motion by her caring and dedicated uncles, stayed with Myra her entire life.

Myra was the assistant editor of her school paper and played first chair clarinet in high school.  She had fond memories of attending concert band competitions throughout the state, even winning some. She was the recipient of many sportsmanship and academic awards. Following in the family tradition, she graduated from Indiana University with a double major in Spanish and Psychology.

In 1961, after graduation, she moved to Miami, FL to take a job with The Americana hotel chain. Being bilingual was a great source of pride for Myra and proved to be an asset during the Cuban Missile Crisis as she was the interpreter for many conversations.  It was no coincidence that she chose to live near the beach, as she was a self-described sun goddess. In fact, it was on the beach that she met her future husband, David, who was vacationing from, believe it or not, her home state. Myra and David settled in Indianapolis to start their family. Her biggest joy in life was being a mother. She was grateful beyond measure to have been able to stay at home and raise her three children. She was their number one fan in every endeavor.

The most precious lesson that Myra taught her children was unconditional love and acceptance. She personified it. She had a special knack for seeing the best in everyone. She had a generous heart, and her kindness was unsurpassed. Anyone who had the privilege of interacting with Myra walked away feeling better.

Myra had a great sense of humor and an eclectic range of interests which included calligraphy, photography, sketching, collecting coins, playing piano, tennis, coming up with interesting cereal concoctions she called “Myra’s Mixtures,” playing games (including slots!), musicals and being an inter-generational tutor at Oasis.

Myra was a fierce IU basketball and Indianapolis Colts fan; she had a talent for correctly predicting the outcomes of games. Her love of the outdoors and nature was cultivated during her summer breaks working in Yellowstone National Park. She cherished the time spent with her grandchildren having tea parties, playing checkers, going through her extensive coin collection, playing four-square, swimming, looking for four leaf clovers, and going to the beach.

Myra is survived by her loving children, son Alan Epstein, daughters, Amy Epstein, and Jennifer Epstein Faucett (John Faucett), grandchildren Lily and Johnny, and sis LuAnn Brody (Larry Brody). Donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 12, at 11:00 am EST in Aaron-Ruben-Nelson Funeral Home, 11411 N. Michigan Road, Zionsville, IN 46077.  For those unable to attend in person, the service will be available through live streaming.  Following the service, the family will hold a gathering for friends and family in the service room.  In lieu of flowers, please feel free to share a memory or thought of Myra with the family.  These memories will be forever cherished by her children.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the loving and dedicated staff at Magnolia Springs. Their thorough and compassionate care is unmatched.