Elaine graduated from Weequahic High School and New York University. She was a trained opera singer who taught vocal music in the Newark and West Orange Public Schools as well as privately. She received a Master’s Degree in Vocal Performance at Montclair State University and an MBA in Arts Management at New York University.
After moving to Florida in 1992, she was on the faculty at Florida Atlantic University and Lynn University Music Departments.
Elaine loved life, music, the arts, travel, and her family. Nothing gave her more pleasure than spending time and socializing with her family and friends.
She volunteered for many years with the Israeli Cancer Research Fund and various music organizations.
She leaves behind her loving family, two daughters, Cathie Bonda Rankin (Alan) and Patricia Bonda Swenson (Andrew deceased), her three grandsons, Sean Rankin, James (Melissa) Rankin and Alexander Swenson, one great grandson, Donovan Rankin, as well as her brother Theodore Zeitlin (Helen) and nieces and nephews.
