We are deeply saddened to report that Elaine Young, co-founder of Save Gansevoort, passed away on May 27th. Elaine was a tireless fighter for our community, and her honesty and fearlessness will be greatly missed. Save Gansevoort would not have been possible without her continuous hard work and without her inspiration.
She was a true friend to so many of us. It’s hard to believe she is no longer here.
The following is from Elaine’s family:
Elaine Young was born in Chicago, Illinois on July 3rd, 1942. Daughter of the late Irving Adler and the late Helen Heda, Elaine is survived by her beloved spouse of 30 years, Virginia Syron. Elaine is also survived by her brother Jack Adler, his wife Judith Adler, her nephew Matthew Adler, and her nieces Sharon Adler, Anna Adler, and Danielle Witchel. Elaine spent holidays and weekends with Ginny’s family and will be deeply missed by Judy and Kees Schuddeboom, Greg Khost, Jackie O’Brien, Peter Khost, Aida Izadpanah, Alex Khost and Amanda Wilder.
Elaine graduated from the University of Chicago, majoring in History. Elaine began her career as an educator and taught in the New York City public schools in Harlem and the South Bronx. She later moved into real estate and became a broker and partner in Patton Young Properties in New York City.
A world traveler, Elaine was not just a tourist but immersed herself in the culture of places she visited. Her passions included politics, classical music, art, gardening, and cooking.
Elaine was a fiery activist who worked tirelessly for her beliefs, and she served as President and Board member of her co-op. She was a neighborhood preservationist and spearheaded the “Save Gansevoort” movement. For twelve years Elaine served on Community Board 2 and was a primary member of the SLA Committee. A dear friend summed up Elaine’s dedication and commitment by saying, “Elaine was the last real soldier for our cause.”
Donations in Elaine’s memory may be made to the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation to continue her preservation work in the Far West Village and the Gansevoort Market Historic District: www.gvshp.org/elaineyoung