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.

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.

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