Kaufman, Elaine E.

Providence

Elaine Estelle Kaufman, 92, daughter of the late Ida (Feynman) Kahn and Martin Kahn, died peacefully on Friday, October 25th, at Wingate Residences in Providence, surrounded by her loving family. She is predeceased by her sister Shirley Webb and her son-in-law Lawrence Gaynor. She is survived by her beloved husband, Robert (Bob) Kaufman, with whom Elaine celebrated her 70th anniversary on Wednesday, September 25th. She is also survived by her loving children Brenda Gaynor of Providence, and Gary Kaufman and his wife Miriam Ross of Providence, as well as her four devoted grandchildren and their partners: Adam and Salonee, Amanda and Bradley, Rachel and Moshe, and Joshua.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Elaine moved to Massachusetts in her youth and graduated from Girls Latin School in Boston. She began her college career at Brandeis University, before transferring to Columbia University, where she also worked for Professor Lawrence Cremin at Teachers College. It was during her time in college that Elaine went home to Nantasket, MA, and met Bob on a blind date. They married one year later in 1954.

Bob and Elaine enjoyed 70 years of beautiful marriage, living each day by their signature motto “every day is a new adventure.” Their marriage was one filled with devotion, Saturday afternoons spent listening to the Metropolitan Opera on the radio, sailboat rides in Narragansett Bay on the Panache, and endless love. Bob adored Elaine, and she him.

They raised their children Brenda and Gary in Barrington, Rhode Island, where they were proud members of the Jewish community. In 1963, Elaine was one of the founding members of the Barrington Jewish Center, now Temple Habonim, where she would also go on to serve as Sisterhood President. Elaine was also instrumental to the renovation of The United Brothers Synagogue in Bristol, Rhode Island, of which she and Bob were members for many years, in the 1970s.

Elaine was an exceptional person who did extraordinary things. Elaine went back to school in the 1980s to complete her college degree at the University of Rhode Island with a degree in English Literature. She had a tremendous passion for the arts, and she attended countless theatrical performances, ballets, and concerts at the Rhode Island Philharmonic. Elaine served as a member of the Rhode Island State Council of the Arts. She was the director and curator of the art collection at Anyart Contemporary Art Gallery on Steeple Street in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Elaine was a performer herself. She starred in many productions with the Barrigton Players and the Barker Playhouse in Providence.

Elaine’s involvement in the arts continued after she and Bob retired to Sarasota, Florida in 1995. She planned and coordinated art tours in both Sarasota and Tampa, curated art shows at the Palm Aire Country Club, and continued to be an active member of community theater. She performed with both the Asolo Theater Readers Circle and many times with the Florida Senior Theater, including playing the leading role of Dolly in a full-length production of The Matchmaker in her eighties. She also proudly appeared in the movie Last Will and Embezzlement starring Mickey Rooney.

A world traveler, Elaine traveled extensively with her husband Bob, including memorable trips to Europe as well as a trip to Russia in 2006 with dear friends Tatiana and David Netes. Elaine also traveled many times with her Aunt and Uncle Alberta and Jack Feynman. Their destinations included China, Tunisia, the Alaskan highway, and Morroco, where she had an audience at the palace with the King.

Elaine’s family and friends delighted in her company, and she loved her family fiercely. She was a devoted and highly engaged mother and grandmother. Elaine spoke to her children and grandchildren daily, including those living across the country and in Israel. She was thrilled to be able to attend her granddaughter Rachel’s baby shower this past July, and found endless joy in the accomplishments and milestones of her family. Together with her husband Bob, she warmly opened her Sarasota home to her children, grandchildren, and their friends, many of whom spent vacations, full winters, or even years living with her and Bob in Florida. Elaine’s family loved nothing more than to sit with her on her lanai in Sarasota, enjoying a beautiful sunset. Perhaps Elaine would tell one of her wonderful stories; certainly she would say “I love you, darling.”

Elaine’s love spread beyond her family, and she embraced others with fullness and warmth. She formed meaningful relationships with the many wonderful caregivers who gave her and Bob such comfort later in their lives. The family is particularly grateful to Veronica Sauceda for her kindness, dedication, and love. The heart and soul of her family, Elaine will be dearly missed.

The funeral will be held graveside on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at 12:45 pm at Sharon Memorial Park, Dedham Street, Sharon, Massachusetts. Shiva to be observed at the residence of Gary Kaufman and Miriam Ross on Wednesday 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Minyan at 7:00 pm, and on Thursday from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Minyan at 7:00 pm.