Elaine Belle Krasik
August 18, 2020
KRASIK, ELAINE BELLE On Tuesday, August 18, 2020, after a brave and valiant fight against significant medical challenges. Elaine loved life, and life loved her back. At the same time, she strongly believed that life could only be lived the "right" way with a commitment to integrity, honesty and fairness to all. She was always interested in learning new things and expanding her world. Her enthusiasm and commitment to organizations and causes always guaranteed that whatever she undertook would be completed successfully and on time. Once committed, she devoted all her energies to whatever the cause. Her leadership was an inspiration to others. Elaine had a lifelong commitment to Judaism, both its religious practices and its charitable activities. She loved attending religious services and did not permit her less than stellar singing voice to impede her participation. Her family and friends were a central part of her life. Nothing was more important. To her, loyalty was a paramount virtue, and she showed that loyalty to family members and friends in countless situations. She also valued tradition, and she saw one of her major goals in life as conveying traditions and the reasons for those traditions to younger generations. Elaine is survived by Carl, her husband of 54 years; her sons Curt (and his girlfriend, Stefanie Lacy) and Scott (and his wife, Laurie); Joelle Keats, mother of Elaine's grandchildren, Connor, Carly and Michaela; her grandchildren Cooper and Skylar; her brother Norman (and his wife, Sylvia); and nieces and cousins to whom she was devoted. Elaine graduated from the University of Pittsburgh, received a Master of Arts in Teaching degree from Yale and in the late 1960's taught French to middle school students in Lexington, Massachusetts. ln the 1970's and early 1980's, she was a full-time volunteer and devoted countless hours to many Jewish and non-secterian organizations in the Pittsburgh area. ln 1984, she entered law school at the University of Pittsburgh and graduated in 1987. For five years, she worked for the law firm that is now K&L Gates LLP doing primarily corporate and transactional work. ln 1992, she joined the law department at Highmark and worked there until her retirement in 2011. ln retirement, she did more volunteer work and was particularly proud of her work enabling hospital patients to vote in the 2018 election. Elaine received a number of awards for her volunteer work, most recently the Natalie Novick Woman of Philanthropy Award. Graveside services and shiva are private in recognition of the pandemic. A year from now, a public memorial service will be held to give her family and friends the opportunity to celebrate her remarkable life, her always optimistic spirit and her seemingly endless energy reserves. The family suggests that contributions to honor Elaine's memory be made to the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh, 2000 Technology Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15219; National Council of Jewish Women, 1620 Murray Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15217; or Congregation Beth Shalom, 5915 Beacon Street, Pittsburgh, PA 152I7. Arrangements entrusted to the Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., family owned and operated. www.schugar.com
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Elaine was a friend and mentor to me many years ago. I’ve never forgotten how she helped me decide on a choice of college at a time when I was very confused! Elaine was gracious, kind, and generous. She was and always will be a light unto the world. God bless her and her family.
By Ivan Abrams - September 10, 2020
A stalwart, workout companion at the Rivers Club..always smiling and up beat. ..an inspiration to us all ..Elaine will be sorely missed
By John oliver - August 27, 2020
Terribly sorry to hear of Elaine\'s passing. I will miss her enthusiasm and energy at re-union groups meetings. Please accept my sincere condolences.
By Steve Alber - August 23, 2020
Dear Carl, Curt and Scott,
Please accept my most sincere sympathy on Elaine's passing. She was a wonderful woman who radiated joy, compassion, and enthusiasm. It has been a long time since we were together; i treasure the memory of her voice, her smile, and her warm hugs.
By Fran Mason - August 22, 2020
Elaine, your smile lit up rooms making
us feel better.
By Janet Kamon - August 20, 2020
I’m so very sorry for your loss 😢
Elaine was always warm and kind to me .
I will miss her lovely smile.
Sincere Sympathy 💔May her memory be a blessing.
By Nancy Tuckfelt - August 20, 2020
Please accept my sincere condolence for your family's loss. I know that Elaine will be missed by so many in her family and in the greater community, so many lives she has touched. May peace find all of the Krasik family and friends soon and make room for her memory to be a blessing for you always.
By Lori Wynn - August 20, 2020
Carl and family,
My sincere sympathy on your loss.
May she Rest in Peace.
elaine berkowitz
By Elaine Berkowitz - August 20, 2020
No one had that glorious smile and sincere wit and wisdom as did Elaine. Her friendships were fierce and her love of family and friends was real, filled with joy a laughter and sometimes tears. I will always miss you, Elaine.
By Debby miller - August 19, 2020