First Family: Madeline and Sidney

The Abramson family provided a close and supportive foundation for every step of Jerry's career. Parents Roy and Shirley can be seen at just about every political event during the 1980s and 90s. Abramson's sister Sheilah, her husband Rabbi Stanley Miles (longtime spirtual leader of Temple Shalom in Louisville) and their children Heather and Seth, were frequently at his side.

During Abramson’s first term as mayor on June 24, 1989, the Abramson family expanded to welcome Jerry's wife, Madeline Malley Miller (b.1955).  Madeline grew up in a Catholic family in Louisville’s South End active in the Democratic party and with the Kentucky Irish American newspaper. Madeline graduated from Holy Rosary Academy in 1973 and earned an Associate Degree in Real Estate from Jefferson Community College and an Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies from the University of Louisville. She worked at a variety of firms, ultimately becoming Executive Assistant to the General Counsel of US Bank and a Member of the Advisory Board.  Madeline converted to Judaism and In 1991 the Abramsons adopted their son, Sidney (b.1991 ). In 2016 Sidney Abramson married Kandice Oppell; they have two children, Grayson Robert Abramson (b.2018) and Ruby Jane Abramson (b.2021).

Madeline's long career in civic and community work includes service to numerous city, state, and regional organizations in the arts, social services, and Jewish communal life.

Listen to Madeline Abramson reflect on her career and her Jewish identity here.