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. For online condolences, please visit ShalomMemorialChapel.com.