Elsa Pincus

Elsa Bronson, passed away at age 95 on June 30, 2017. Her beloved husband of 73 years, William, had passed away three years earlier. Elsa was the loving mother of Jillian and Susan Rachel Pincus and the late Lanni Tama, devoted grandmother of Jordan Tama, adoring great-grandmother of Amos and Jesse Tama, dedicated sister of Peggy Friedlander, and admired aunt to her nieces and nephews. She was a vibrant woman with a zest for life, keen intellect, quick wit, and deep devotion to family and friends. She loved traveling, theater, art, fine food, bridge playing, reading, and dancing. She and William took their daughters on two wonderful cross-country car trips and explored places as far afield as India, Ethiopia, Afghanistan, Cambodia, Iran, and Kenya in an era when such exotic travel was uncommon. Some of Elsa's many dinner parties were made more festive by private dance lessons that she and William took with other couples. She proudly raised three very independent daughters who became a lawyer, doctor, and industrial designer at a time when few women entered those fields. Elsa knew women could and should be accomplished and recognized. Her daughters frequently heard, "Be independent." She also took great pleasure in spending time with her grandson, great-grandsons, and Jillian's dog Gracie. Elsa was born in Brooklyn to Benjamin and Dora Bronson on November 26, 1921. A precocious and talented student, she graduated from Brooklyn College at age 18 and went on to earn an M.A. in psychology from the University of Maryland and an M.A. in education from Hofstra University. During World War II, she worked at RCA as part of the war effort. She later served for 16 years at Flushing High School as a social studies teacher and guidance counselor. Elsa was acknowledged by her students as a positive life influence. A commitment to political participation ran through her life. She protested the rise of fascism in the streets of Brooklyn as a young woman and was active for many decades in the League of Women Voters. She also enjoyed being part of the sisterhood at Great Neck's Temple Israel. She was buried next to William at Beth David Cemetery in Elmont, NY. She will be deeply missed by her loving family.

Arrangements under the direction of Riverside-Nassau North Chapel, Great Neck, NY, (516)487-9600, www.riversidenassaunorthchapels.com.