Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
ELAINE KLEIN Obituary
(1928 - 2016) Dr. Elaine S. Klein, 88 of New Rochelle, NY passed away peacefully on November 26, 2016 at her home, surrounded by loved ones. A professional dancer by age 8, Dr. Klein graduated from George Washington High School, Hunter College (Hall of Fame) and Columbia University (Ph.D.). By age 18, Dr. Klein taught at the university level often to returning WWII GIs. She became the first Jewish dean of a Catholic college, Marymount Manhattan where she was honored by dignitaries, such as the late Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, taught young luminaries, such as Geraldine Ferraro and hosted leaders such as Coretta Scott King. Following an enriching term as Associate Dean at Iona College, Dr. Klein found her academic home at Westchester Community College (WCC). A recipient of the 1991 Faculty Excellence Award, she was a Faculty Senate Presiding Officer as well as Professor of English, Speech and Communications. Dr. Klein was a consultant for New York State, the American Cable Corp. and several publishing companies. Founding member of the Tri State Consortium for Educational TV, she also produced ESL pronunciation videos. Well into her 80s, Dr. Klein continued, with much joy, to teach and advise at WCC. Her only love greater than teaching, drama and musical theater, was her nearly 50-year marriage to songwriter and businessman, the late Paul Klein, her eternal soul mate. Dr. Elaine Klein is survived by her two loving sons: Jonathan and Glenn and his wife, Sharon and beloved nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her loving brother, Stanley R. Small. A private memorial service will be held November 29, at Riverside Memorial Chapel in Mt. Vernon, NY.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for ELAINE KLEIN
Fran Cassara (Rajotte) Myers
February 17, 2025
I just learned of the passing of our Marymount Dean, Dr. Elaine Klein, and my dear friend. Living in New Rochelle, I was honored to babysit for Jonathan and Glenn when they were small boys. She was a mentor to me and I have fond memories of accompanying her to Marymount Tarrytown when we provided an onstage example of Creative Dramatics that I had learned at my days at Marymount, working with a Catholic grade school in Harlem. It was these students that we brought with us on a chartered bus for this demonstration. Later, Elaine and Paul attended my wedding at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Pelham and reception at the Beach and Tennis Club. I had not seen her since moving to Nashville and unfortunately, we lost touch, but I will always remember her and the entire family and the precious moments I spent with all of them. I will especially miss Elaine and her love for teaching and theater. Fran Cassara (Rajotte) Myers.
James Shea
November 22, 2019
We are becoming a smaller family at WCC, but we will always cherish the memories of the colleagues and friends who have gone before us. Elaine was a great teacher, mentor, administrator, but most importantly a wonderful mother, wife and friend.
Dr. Eileen McGivern Shea( Nov. 22, 2019)
Eileen Shea
December 14, 2016
I will always miss my role model - teacher at Marymount, mentor, colleague at WCC, and most of all, a warm and dear friend. I shall cherish her memory forever.
Dr. Eileen McGivern Shea
Regina Logiudice
December 1, 2016
My thoughts and prayers to you all. I adored Elaine - she was the sweetest, kindest, funniest, warmest soul on this earth! I could listen to her stories about music, family, life ....you name it - I could listen to her forever. My heart is saddened - a true beacon of light has gone out!!!
JoAnn Gala
November 29, 2016
This world has lost a bright star. Elaine is my friend and colleague. A brilliant person, a warm and loving friend, mother and wife. I am saddened to hear this. My sincere condolences to the family.
November 28, 2016
To the Klein Family: My heartfelt sympathies go out to the family and friends during this difficult time. I hope that the promise in 1 Thessalonians 4:14 can bring comfort. Knowing that there's a hope for the ones we have lost in death can be so reassuring.
Annie C
November 28, 2016
May your hearts be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times you shared together as you celebrate a life well lived and loved by many. Psalms 90:10.
Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results
Make a Donation
in ELAINE KLEIN's name
Memorial Events
for ELAINE KLEIN
How to support ELAINE's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor ELAINE KLEIN's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
