Albany - Elaine Sternberg (nee Temple) passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side at Albany Medical Center on April 19, 2025, at 3:22 pm. As if in a heavenly welcome, the rain clouds parted, and the sun shone through, embracing Elaine's beautiful soul. Born on December 31, 1926, Elaine shared her birthday with the world’s New Year celebrations for 98 years.

Elaine is predeceased by her beloved parents, Etta and Philip Temple, sister, Harriet Rothstein, and husband, Henry R. Sternberg. She is survived by her daughter, Phyllis Sternberg Niner, her granddaughters, Erika Rose Niner and Halle Rae Niner, and her grand-dog, Jackson. Elaine was born in Brooklyn, NY and lived with her family on Eastern Parkway until her marriage. In her early years, she worked as an administrative assistant for an insurance agency and as a showroom fashion model.

As a single young woman, Elaine had many suitors, but it was a chance meeting in the Hamptons during Labor Day Weekend of 1959 that kicked off a whirlwind romance with a handsome young attorney, sporting red socks and an unforgettable smile. He knew she was “the one” when they first met. By Thanksgiving, their mutual friends announced their engagement at the Rainbow Room, and they were married two months later. Elaine wed Henry on January 17, 1960 at the Delmonico Hotel in New York City and was a devoted wife for 38 years until her husband’s passing in 1998.

Elaine faced many challenges over her lifetime with resilience and grace. She made a new life in Delmar and later in Slingerlands after the family relocated in 1968. She nursed ill loved ones, overcame the devastating loss of a stillborn baby and survived breast cancer. Her oncologist called her a pioneer for participating in the original clinical trial for Tamoxifen. Elaine always believed in moving through life with a smile on her face. She expressed her love and generosity through her delicious cooking, hospitality, and acts of service to those she loved. Her devotion to her husband, daughter and granddaughters was unparalleled. She was also a member of Temple Israel in Albany and the United Order of True Sisters for many years.

In the last five years, Elaine again faced life’s challenges with fortitude and good spirit. Through everything, Elaine prioritized and enjoyed life with her family, including taking many cruises, dining out, and sipping an occasional martini or margarita. Even in her final weeks, she remained focused on her family and expressed her wish to stay with them, be surrounded by love, and see her family together and be happy. Her daughter, granddaughters and niece, Randi Rothstein Kaplan, were honored to support her during this last chapter and will be forever inspired by her tenacity, dedication and example.

The family wishes to thank all the caring and respectful Guilderland EMS and the medical staff at Albany Medical Center, Rabbi Paul Silton, Carole Heaney – the family’s death doula, and the friends and family whose support and love is carrying them through this difficult time of mourning their beloved mother and “Nanny.”

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to any of Elaine’s favorite charities: Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital, American Cancer Society, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, The Alzheimer’s Association, and the ASPCA.

Funeral services for Elaine will be held on Wednesday April 23rd at 10:00 am at The Levine Memorial Chapel, 649 Washington Ave. in Albany. Burial will be on Thursday at Cedar Park Cemetery in New Jersey.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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