Born the very much anticipated third child to Louis and Minnie (Banks) Theil of Coney Island, Elaine's mother was convinced that Elaine would be the next Shirley Temple. Dance and voice lessons began as soon as possible and piano lessons as soon as her hands were big enough to reach. Starting at age 3, Elaine performed regularly with 2 cousins on a Saturday morning NY area children's radio show, at weddings and bar mitzvahs. While fame didn't find her, Elaine enjoyed performing regularly until she married. She continued to sing and loved to entertain until Parkinson's negatively affected her voice.

Married to Leonard Cohen in 1948, the couple had 4 children. They raised their family primarily in Bellmore, Long Island until moving to Vermont with 2 children in College and 2 more to go. In addition to Bellmore, the couple lived in Brooklyn and Levittown, New York, Manchester and Pittsford, Vermont, and Hollywood, Florida. Elaine returned to live in Central Vermont to be close to her children a few years after Leonard passed in 1991. Once widowed Elaine traveled extensively with her BFF from Levittown, Ellie.

Throughout her life, Elaine was as close to all her first cousins as to her siblings. Sadly, she out lived all her siblings, cousins, inlaws and many friends. Elaine continued to make new friends throughout her life and was well loved.

Elaine is survived by her daughter, Lori Cohen (Brian Tuttle), son in law Bruce Willette, grandchildren Jacob (Amber) Larrabee, Aaron (Jenice) Larrabee, and Rachel (Robert) Rouleau, and 13 great grandchildren all of Central Vermont as well as several nieces and nephews scattered around the world. She was predeceased by her parents, brother Sidney Theil, sister Rhoda Lazar, husband, children Mitchell Cohen (2001), Ronnie Cohen (2020) and Gary Cohen (2019).

Arrangements are in the care of Guare & Sons Funeral Home. Online condolences may be left at www.guareandsons.com.