Elysia C. Wolnek

Elysia (Cohen) Wolnek, known to her family and many others as Savta, of Port Washington, New York, passed away on October 6, 2026, at the age of 87. She was the beloved wife of the late Stephen Wolnek, to whom she was married for 56 years.

Born in 1939 to Raquel and Israel “Izzy” Cohen, Elysia lost her father in World War II. After her mother married Louis Kerbel, she and her sister, Linda Speigel, were raised in a loving Jewish home. Elysia graduated from NYU.

Elysia and Stephen met as teenagers in USY (United Synagogue Youth), and the organization remained central to their lives together. Alongside their professional careers, they devoted themselves to volunteer work, including serving others, supporting Israel, and developing young Jewish leaders.

Elysia spent a year in Israel through the Machon program, learning and teaching others. The experience deepened her love of Israel and led to countless return visits.

A dedicated educator, Elysia taught Hebrew for many years, including eleven years at Temple Beth Israel, as well as at Queens Central Hebrew High School and Far Rockaway High School. Known as a demanding teacher, she was committed to giving her students the best Jewish education possible.

Elysia was also a successful businesswoman. After many years as a travel agent, she co-founded B&E Travel with the steadfast support of Soma.

For sixty years, Elysia hosted Passover Seder for as many family members and friends as her home could hold, and her Port Washington home was famously renovated with her Passover dishes in mind. She expressed her love through food and gifts.

Elysia is survived by her sons, Ivan [and Rebecca] and Seth [and Michelle]; her grandchildren, Reena, Avi, Lily, Meyer (Rachel), and Raquel; her great-grandchildren, Adeline and Silas; her sister, Linda (Gary); and many nieces & nephews and dear friends.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at New Montefiore Cemetery in West Babylon, New York. Shiva will be observed at the family home in Port Washington on Friday, October 9, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., and on Saturday evening. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to USY or the charity of your choosing.