Mrs. Elaine Shay, a Rydal resident, former Montefiore Cemetery board chairman, musician, and active community volunteer, passed away on Saturday, June 13, from congestive heart failure and complications of dementia. She was 88.

Montefiore Cemetery, located in Jenkintown, was led by her husband’s family for generations, according to the Jewish Exponent. Mrs. Shay became chairman following her husband’s passing in 1992. She oversaw operations, reviewed accounts and records and worked with staff.

“Shay treated the cemetery as both a family responsibility and a communal trust,” the Exponent wrote. “She wanted visitors to find the grounds well maintained and their loved ones’ graves cared for.”

Mrs. Shay was formerly a board member for the Abington School District, treasurer of the Abington Library Board, vice chairman of blood services for an American Red Cross branch, and local Republican Committee person.

“Elaine was a lifelong volunteer, recording college level textbooks for Recordings for the Blind and Dyslexic, as well serving as Vice-Chairman of Blood Services for the American Red Cross,” her obituary said. “An avid lover of music, Elaine played cello for the Wynnefield Orchestra and actively participated in the Beth Sholom and KI choirs.”

Services were not mentioned in Mrs. Shay’s obituary. Donations in her honor may be made to Guide Dogs for the Blind, The Radiance Technique International Association, Inc. (TRTIA), and the Abington Free Library.

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