Elaine Sokol
August 10, 2026

ELAINE "LAINEY" SOKOL: Beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on August 10, 2026 at age 94. Born on June 7, 1932, in Philadelphia, PA, Lainey carried her warmth and love of family with her throughout a life that spanned Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and most recently Phoenix, Arizona.

Lainey was the cherished daughter of the late Lillian and Benjamin Cohn (z""l) and the beloved wife of the late Joseph Sokol (z""l), with whom she shared 55 loving years of marriage.

She is survived by her loving and devoted children: Rochelle "Shelley" Daniels; Fern Hast-Murphy (Robert Murphy) and Jeffrey (Jill) Sokol. She was a proud and loving Grammie to Lauren (Brandon) Tauberg; Ethan Daniels (Oliver Solomon); Ryan (Amy); Brandon (Amanda) Hast; Meghan Murphy, Logan Murphy, Samantha Sokol and Amanda Sokol; and great Grammie to Hayden and Hudson Tauberg; and Ella, Era, and Ali Hast.

Lainey loved her Turner Classic Movies (TCM) channel and was and devoted patron of the arts. As a subscriber of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, she treasured visiting Heinz Hall for the Performing Arts. Classical music brought her immense joy and remained one of the defining passions of her life.

After moving to Pittsburgh in the mid-1960s, Lainey dedicated herself to volunteer work with organizations supporting individuals with special needs. Her compassion, generosity and dedication touched many lives and reflected the kindness that defined her character.

Lainey will be remembered for her warm and welcoming nature, style, compassion, deep love of her family and her lifelong Philadelphia accent.

Visitation with family and friends will be held on Friday, August 14, 2026 from 11 AM to 12 Noon at Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., 5509 Centre Avenue, Shadyside, followed by a procession to Beth Shalom Cemetery for 12:30 PM Graveside Services.

Contributions in memory of Elaine Sokol may be directed to the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Hospice of the Valley (Phoenix, AZ), or a charity of the donor's choice.

May her memory forever be a blessing. www.schugar.com

Condolences

My extended fRamily, You’re in my heart. I’ve known Aunt Lainie since Shelkie and I started Hebrew and Sunday school, a very long time ago! Some of my favorite memories are when she would make me Kasha and Bows b/c she knew I loved it. (The Kasha Kid!) She was a meaningful part of my family’s lives, holiday dinners, Birthday celebrations, Kids, grandkids successes. You will be truly missed, but know that you helped raise a family of strong, loving, and empathetic people.

My dear sweet Shelley. I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm also so happy you've had so many wonderful memories with her. Lainey and Joe together again. May her memory be for a blessing. ❤️❤️❤️

I was fortunate to have Lainie aka “Fresh”😅 as a wonderful family friend. We spoke regularly and loved recounting old family stories. I will miss her great smile and infectious laugh. May she find eternal peace and will always be remembered fondly❤️🙏