Elaine J. Katz

Elaine Joy Katz of Boynton Beach, Florida died peacefully on June 30, 2026. She was born January 19, 1932, in Cambridge, MA to John J. Miller and Beatrice Werby Miller. The family moved to Portchester, NY where she graduated from Portchester High School.

Elaine had a beautiful voice, and in her youth, she loved listening to the radio, going to movies, the theater, and dreamed of a career as a singer. She also loved to attend parties which is where she met the tall handsome Keneth Garfunkel from Norwalk , CT. They were married in 1954 and settled in Ken’s hometown where he began his law practice, and they raised their sons, Jeffrey and Andrew.

Elaine was a leader, actively involved with Temple Beth El of Norwalk Sisterhood, B’Nai Brith, the Norwalk Community Jewish Center, and several bowling leagues. Her love of singing carried easily to synagogue, and we fondly remember how she harmonized when singing the concluding lines of the Aleinu prayer.

Elaine brought joy, warmth, and connection to all. Through her generosity, friendship, and unwavering love she built a strong family and community. Elaine truly loved people. She made friends easily and maintained those friendships throughout her life, keeping in close contact with childhood friends from Port Chester, as well as Norwalk, and Florida. Whether she was attending high school reunions, checking in with relatives and friends, or chatting with someone she had just met, Elaine had a gift fo r making people feel special. Elaine thrived on connecting people. With her impeccable manners, she never missed an opportunity to kvell and introduce her family members to whoever was in the room.

With her second marriage to Ed Katz in 1978, she became stepmom to Lauren and Deborah. She brought light and happiness to Ed's life, and together they expanded each other’s worlds. Family was at the center of Elaine’s life. She loved bringing people together to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, shabbat dinners, holidays, and countless other occasions. She was the family’ s consummate hostess, always entertaining, planning, decorating, and finding reasons to gather loved ones.

Elaine was not just a mom and stepmom but a true maternal figure to all; a trusted confidante, patient listener, and steadfast cheerleader. She listened with compassion and understanding, offering encouragement never judgment, always focused on helping others find confidence in themselves. Her support was constant, gentle, and always treasured.

Hawaii and the Caribbean islands were her favorite destinations, but Ed expanded her itineraries to France, England, Scotland, and Canada. She set an example of how to appreciate the excitement of discovering new places.

Elaine had impeccable style. A true fashionista, she loved beautiful clothing and was always perfectly dressed. She delighted in sharing her knowledge of fashion with her family, including her granddaughters Alana and Kristen, and was known for reminding loved ones of seasonal traditions and proper attire. She had a remarkable talent for decorating, bringing beauty and eleganc e not only to her home but to every gathering and celebration.

Although Elaine was a sun goddess who loved to sit on the beach or poolside her favorite activity was going to the casino. Be it Atlantic City, Las Vegas, Mohegan Sun, or any cruise ship with a casino; playing two or three slot machines at one time was easy and she as very proud of “her winning strategy”!

Elaine was an adoring mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Cherishing each and every one of their accomplishments, they constantly filled her life with joy and new adventures.

To her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, extended family, and countless friends, Elaine was generous, loving, fashionable, fun, and endlessly supportive. She modeled how to build strong family and community through the family gatherings, the friendships she nurtured, the traditions she cherished, and the love and support she gave to all.

Elaine is predeceased by her husbands, Kenneth Garfunkel and Edward Katz, her brother Neil Miller and stepdaughter Lauren Katz. She is survived by her sister Susan Quiericoni, sons Jeffrey (Rebecca), Andrew (Anne) and stepdaughter Deborah (Stephen), eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, countless cousins, nieces and nephews. Elaine will be deeply missed by all her knew and loved her. May her memory be a blessing. Graveside Services Friday, July 2, 10 am at Tempel Bethel in Stamford CT.