Evelyn Pockrass

Evelyn Leona (Weiner) Pockrass, of Indianapolis, passed away on September 10, 2026. She was born on August 12, 1934, in New York, to Samuel and Jean Weiner. She graduated from Hunter College, and earned a Master of Social Work degree from New York University.

Evelyn moved to Indianapolis from New Jersey with her husband, Arlen, and three sons in 1979 and joined the Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation.

Only a few years after joining IHC, Evelyn became Sisterhood President in 1985. As president, she helped organize a weekly Study Series and Coffee Chat and brought engaging speakers on current issues to those meetings and Sisterhood luncheons, including Rabbi Amy Eilberg, the first woman ordained in the Conservative movement. Evelyn also helped organize Bikkur Cholim, a society for visiting the sick.

A passionate reader, she became the temple librarian in 1990 and organized the popular IHC Book Club. In 1992, the Church and Synagogue Library Association (CSLA) named Evelyn that year’s Outstanding Librarian. She remained involved through the organization's dissolution in 2017 and served three terms as President.

In 2023, Evelyn retired after serving as the IHC Librarian for 33 years. When IHC announced her retirement, social media filled with praise for her work and passion for Jewish history and literature. She clearly touched many congregants, especially through thoughtful book club picks and discussions, and elevated IHC's literary culture.

Beyond her love for reading, Evelyn also loved to cook. And bake. Holiday meals at her home would feature several courses (salad, soup, vegetables, entrees), all meticulously planned and prepared with special attention to the favorites or dietary restrictions of any of the attendees. Deserts were a separate meal among themselves with enough to fill a take-home plate for everyone.

She didn’t just provide food as a way to enrich her family. She was always there to proofread and edit papers no matter the length, no matter the time at night. She might have written some papers for Arlen when he was in college (we assume the statute of limitations is less than 55 years), but we cannot confirm such reports.

What we can confirm is that she stuck to her core values of respecting one’s privacy, defending one’s beliefs and following through with one’s promises.

Evelyn is survived by her sons, Steven (Kathy Osborn) Pockrass, Joseph (Jessica) Pockrass and Robert (Lori Perkovich) Pockrass; grandchildren Allyson, David, Ben, Anna and Harper; and great-grandchildren Ava, Spero, Lazer and Simon. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Arlen.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation, 6501 N. Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN 46260. The funeral will be livestreamed for those unable to attend. Burial will follow at IHC North Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages the donation of books to a favorite library or to friends and family. A donation to the IHC Joseph Cantor Library Fund can be made here.

The family will be observing shiva on Wednesday, from 2:00-7:00PM at 4235 N. Pennsylvania Street, Indianapolis, IN 46260.

Aaron-Ruben-Nelson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.