Elaine Raff Brandon

    Elaine Raff Brandon, of Middletown, NY, passed away peacefully at Garnet Medical Center on April 19, 2021 at the age of 91, after a brief illness.

    Elaine is survived by her longtime Life Partner James Davis; her children Susan and Neil Brandon; her ‘daughter from another mother’ Lisa Brandon; her son-in-law and fellow Bronx native Larry Rothfeder; cherished grandchildren Lauren, Lenny and Alby; and several nieces and nephews to whom she always felt close. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Leonard Brandon (who died in 1978 at the age of 51) and by 3 older siblings whom she revered. Elaine was fiercely proud of all of her family members.

    Elaine loved gardening and community volunteering. In 1981, she was named Citizen of the Year by the Middletown Jaycees. She was recognized for delivering Meals on Wheels as a founding member; reading Shopping Ads for the blind on Radio Vision; and for serving as an active member and officer in many other community service organizations. Elaine served as editor of the Auxilian newsletter, and Stationery buyer for the Horton Hospital gift shop for over 20 years, as well as Chairman of the hospital Gift Shop for five years. Later in life, she enjoyed traveling, camping and fishing with her partner James. She loved watching her grandchildren grow up, and she was an eager babysitter for them. Elaine would drop everything to help care for them when the need arose.

    In 1995, Elaine suffered a devastating stroke. Elaine never let her handicap slow her down, and never stopped fighting to recover.  For years after her stroke, she continued gardening, and drove her car independently, sometimes long distance. Even as she slowed down in her last few years, she insisted on participating in physical therapy to try to get stronger.

    Elaine’s Life Partner James was by her side for over 30 years. They traveled, visited with family, and loved just being together. In her last years, the love, devotion, and caring that James provided to Elaine was truly remarkable and special.

    Elaine lived a long and exemplary life, and her memory will long remain a blessing to those who knew and loved her.

    Graveside Services will be held at 11 AM Wednesday, April 21st in Temple Sinai Cemetery, Route 302, Circleville, NY. Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein will officiate.

    Memorial contributions in Elaine's memory may be made to the Garnet Health Medical Center Capital Campaign

    Arrangements have been entrusted to the Cornelius, Dodd & Connell Funeral Home, Middletown, NY.