News Summary
Annette Schaffer Eskind, a dedicated advocate for public education in Nashville, has passed away at the age of 97. Her extensive work in early childhood education and community service has left a profound impact on the city’s educational landscape. She played a crucial role in establishing the Nashville Public Education Foundation and served on the Metropolitan Nashville Board of Public Education. Eskind’s commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and resources for children in the community will be remembered and celebrated.
Nashville
Annette Schaffer Eskind, a prominent civic leader and advocate for public education in Nashville, passed away on July 13, 2025, at the age of 97. Her extensive contributions to the community, particularly in early childhood education, have left an indelible mark on the city’s public school system.
Born in Boston, Eskind graduated from Brookline High School and went on to attend Arcadia University in Philadelphia. She earned her Master’s degree in Social Work from Boston University, where she met her future husband, Dr. Irwin B. Eskind. The couple married in 1950 and moved to Nashville in 1956, where Dr. Eskind began a lengthy career as a private practice internist.
From 1956 until 1980, Eskind worked as a caseworker at Jewish Family Services of Nashville, later ascending to the position of casework supervisor from 1980 to 1990. Throughout her time there, she played a pivotal role in facilitating local adoptions, mainly focusing on immigrant Eastern European and Russian Jewish families.
Her dedication to education became apparent when she noticed a lack of public kindergarten services for preschool children in Nashville. This concern ignited her passion for early childhood education and led to her appointment to the inaugural Metropolitan Nashville Board of Public Education by then-Mayor Beverly Briley, where she served from 1965 to 1973. During her tenure on the board, she championed initiatives aimed at improving educational resources and opportunities for children in the city.
In addition to her role on the school board, Eskind founded and endowed the Nashville Public Education Foundation, which provides support to teachers and principals in Davidson County public schools. Her commitment to education was rooted in her desire to enhance the learning experiences of both educators and students alike.
Eskind’s legacy extends beyond her work in public education. She and her husband were significant supporters of the Vanderbilt community, contributing to various educational and medical initiatives. They established the Annette and Irwin Eskind Biomedical Library and Learning Center as well as the Annette Schaffer Eskind Chair at the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center. Their contributions have had a lasting impact on healthcare and education in the region.
Her influence on Nashville’s educational landscape is reflected in her family’s commitment to the field. Her two sons, Steven and Jeffrey Eskind, are graduates of Hillwood High School and have enjoyed long careers at Vanderbilt School of Medicine, furthering the family’s connection to educational excellence.
Throughout her life, Eskind demonstrated a firm commitment to community service and philanthropy. She served on multiple boards, including the Nashville Board of Parks and Recreation, Alive Hospice Advisory Board, and the Council of Jewish Women. Her contributions earned her numerous accolades, including the Human Relations Award from the National Conference of Christians and Jews and the YWCA Academy Award for women of achievement.
In 2024, she was recognized by Tennessee’s General Assembly for her two decades of service on the Tennessee Holocaust Commission, highlighting her contributions to preserving history and fostering community education about the Holocaust.
Eskind is survived by her two sons, five grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren, along with several nieces and nephews. A private graveside burial is scheduled for July 16, 2025. Funeral services and visitation will take place at The Temple, Congregation Ohabai Sholom, honoring the life and legacy of a remarkable woman who contributed so much to her community.
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Additional Resources
- Nashville Banner: Annette Schaffer Eskind Obituary
- Wikipedia: Annette Schaffer Eskind
- Tennessean: Annette Schaffer Eskind Obituary
- Google Search: Annette Schaffer Eskind
- News Channel 5: Civic Leader Annette Schaffer Eskind Has Died
- Google Scholar: Annette Schaffer Eskind
Author: HERE Nashville
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