Elaine Chaika
Chaika, Elaine, 81, passed away on Sunday, May 1, 2016. Born in 1934 in Milford, MA, she was a remarkable woman who obtained a PhD in linguistics from Brown University in 1972, while raising three children. From there she became a professor at Providence College, raising a daughter during her tenure, retiring in 2008. Elaine was a distinguished teacher and researcher, known especially for her pioneering work on schizophrenic speech. She accomplished many of her other ambitions, including writing many articles, scholarly books, a novel and recently a book on the evolution of dogs. She loved traveling, cooking, gardening and animals. She is survived by her husband Bill, children Eric and Dan, and grandchildren Ben, Jon, Rebecca, Alan, and Sarah. There will be a memorial service on Friday at 12:00 noon in the Redwood Chapel of Swan Point Cemetery, 585 Blackstone Blvd., Providence. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the Providence Animal Rescue League, 34 Elbow Street, Providence, RI 02903. Shiva will be observed at 68 Locust St., Providence, on Friday from 3-7 and Sunday from 2-4 p.m.
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Shalom Memorial Chapel
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My condolences from Classical classmate.
What a truly remarkable woman your mother was, Dan! My father died on March 25th, so I do indeed know what you are going through. I am thinking of you all, and I send my love to you all.
Elaine was indeed one of the most remarkable, accomplished women I’ve ever known. I did not get to know her until recently, I’m afraid, but gained so much from her society. I broke bread at her house several times, and heard her lecture twice. Elaine’s erudition was extraordinary – she knew so much about so many things, including the East Side of Providence. Her passing takes a great treasure from Rhode Island, but at the same time she left it a great boon. Victoria and I feel so sad for those Elaine leaves behind, especially her son Dan and his Imelda, whose friendship brought me into contact with Elaine. I am sad for them, yes, but they and all who knew her will have their fond memories of her forever.
To the Chaika family,
My deepest sympathy on the passing of Elaine. She was a colleague of many years, and our visits with Bill and Elaine are fondly remembered.
My condolences to the family on the passing of Elaine. I want you to know that I have very fond memories of you from way back, while you were still living in Foster .
Please accept my sincere sympathy on the loss of Elaine. She was a beloved and respected colleague of mine at Providence College for forty years.
Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of Elaine. She was the best, and most caring professor I had in college. My life was bettered by my education and friendship with Elaine.
We have remained good friends over the last 40+ years, discussing everything from language to movies to politics. I have just returned from a business trip, and heard of her passing. I really have no words to express the sense of loss I feel at the passing of such a longtime friend and mentor.