Elaine S. Basch

Elaine S. Basch, 102, of West Hartford, died Sunday, August 17, 2025. She grew up in the North End of Hartford, graduated from Weaver High School in 1940, and Teachers College of Connecticut (now Central Connecticut State University) in 1944. She had an illustrious career teaching in the Hartford elementary school system for 31 years at Brackett, Rawson, and Mark Twain where she won Outstanding Teacher of the Year. She raised two daughters, was President of the PTA, a Brownie leader, and traveled extensively with her beloved late husband of 61 years, Albert.

In her retirement years she proudly knit over 400 sweaters for Knits for Kids- which were distributed to underprivileged children here and abroad. She and her sister Joan Lefkin were interviewed for the Jewish Historical Society of Greater Hartford and were included in the book: Hartford’s North End: Remembering the Old Neighborhood.

Her daughters and their spouses threw a 100th birthday party for her at Rockledge Country Club, and people spoke about how Elaine enriched their lives. It was a glowing tribute.

She will be missed by her daughter Marjorie Langan and her husband Edward of North Attleboro MA; daughter Ellen Zenke and her husband Michael of Sarasota FL; her sister Joan Lefkin, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A special thank you to Elaine (Albert’s cousin) and Paul McKay, a host of Visiting Angels, especially Navlett and Olivia, and her Vitas hospice team, especially Rachel, Rose, Sandra, and Debra for such wonderful care, allowing her to live in her home until close to the end. And thank you to the people at Salmon Brook Rehab and Nursing for helping her through her final days.

A private burial service is planned. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice. Arrangements are entrusted to Weinstein Mortuary.