Elaine Susan Sands

Elaine Susan Sands (née Schroffel) passed away Wednesday, September 16, 2026. She is survived by her oldest son, David Sands, and his girlfriend, Naomi Kahalon; her youngest son, Rich Sands; her grandchildren, Jacki Sands and Jake Sands; and her sister, Merle Colchamiro and her family. Her beloved husband, Ed Sands, passed away in 2012.

Elaine was born January 25, 1940 to her proud parents, Leo and Mae Schroffel of Brooklyn, N.Y. Younger sister Merle was born a few years later. Elaine received a bachelor’s degree from Brooklyn College, a master’s from the University of Michigan and a doctorate from New York University. She was passionate about her chosen field of speech pathology as both a clinician and professor. She spent the bulk of her career at Adelphi University in Garden City, N.Y., and very reluctantly retired in 2021 at age 81.

She and Ed met in Westhampton Beach and they were married in November 1964. They welcomed their first child, David, in 1967 and their second, Richard, in 1969. A few months after Rich was born they moved to Port Washington, N.Y., and Elaine lived in that same house for nearly 55 years.

Elaine was known for her lively personality and boundless energy. She was immensely proud of her sons and grandchildren and deeply devoted to her relatives, especially her many nieces and nephews and their spouses, children and grandchildren. She was a loyal and faithful friend, truly one of the most gregarious people you would ever meet.

She loved music, theater, reading and TV medical dramas, and insisted on always putting herself together perfectly (typically with clothes or makeup that featured her favorite color. “If it’s not red, it’s not a color” was one of Elaine’s most enduring catchphrases) and eventually became a diehard New York Rangers fan.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Elaine’s name to the Ed Foundation, which funds educational grants in Port Washington. Elaine was an active member of the board for many years and cared deeply about this organization’s mission. The Ed Foundation (theedfoundation.org), P.O. Box 909, Port Washington, NY 11050.