The Brigham community mourns the loss of Elaine M. Schuster (Seigel), a longtime benefactor, volunteer leader, and friend of the hospital, who passed away on August 1 at the age of 90.

Beginning in the 1980s, Elaine and her late husband, Jerry, enthusiastically supported many areas of the hospital. Transplant surgery was of special importance to Elaine and Jerry; thanks to their landmark gift in this area, the Schuster Transplant Center was established in 2003. The lobby at our main entrance at 75 Francis Street also bears their name as a testament to their meaningful contributions across the hospital.

Elaine was a trusted confidante to several Brigham presidents and executive leaders. She served as a trustee of the hospital for eight years and happily took on other roles, including participating on the President’s Advisory Board, Women’s Health Advisory Board, Women’s Health Leadership Council, and as an honorary member of the Life.Giving.Breakthroughs. Campaign Cabinet.

Elaine and Jerry instilled the values of giving and community service—in recognition of which they received the Brigham’s prestigious Heritage Society Award in 2002—to their children, who today carry on the Schuster family’s legacy at the Brigham. Our thoughts are with the Schuster family as they mourn Elaine’s passing and celebrate a remarkable life well lived. You can read Elaine’s full obituary here.

If you would like to honor Elaine’s extraordinary life and career, you can make a gift in her memory.