Elaine Linda Schoolnik, a longtime resident of the Connecticut River Valley and Chester, passed away Nov. 4 following a fall in her apartment from which she did not recover.

Elaine graduated from University of Wisconsin with a BA in zoology, graduating with distinction. She had a lifelong devotion to animals, including many wonderful cats and a horse named Tia. She worked in a number of restaurants, including The Inn at Chester, Gelston House, and O’Rourke’s Diner. As she got older she also worked as a phlebotomist and as an elder homecare companion. Her good friends recognized and valued her intelligence, as well as her kindness and compassion. She was also a devoted daughter who spent time visiting her mother, taking her out, and visiting the care facility with her cat for everyone’s enjoyment.

She leaves behind the following relatives and dear friends: brothers Turiya Hill and Michael Schoolnik; nephews Hata, Ishan, and Wilder Hill; cousins Diane Dodge and William Betcher; and sisters-in-law Naoko Matsuda, Maya Hill, Khiyani Hill, and Louise Preston. Loyal, loving friends include Susan Flynn, Linda Kent, Debbie King, and Patty Petrus.