Elaine Ann Steblecki

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Elaine Ann Steblecki passed away following a long illness, at the home she shared with her twin sister Edith Steblecki in Melrose, on October 15, 2026, one day after her 70th birthday.

Elaine was born on October 14, 1956, in Jersey City, N.J. one of three daughters of the late William and Alice Steblecki.  In addition to her twin sister, Elaine is survived by her aunt Edith Klucewicz (103 years old), several cousins, and longtime friend Karen.

After high school, Elaine lived with her close-knit family in upper Montclair, N.J. where she pursued higher education in history and museum studies.  In the 1980's, Elaine worked at the Old Barracks Museum in Trenton, N.J.  Although usually low-key, Elaine's theatrical side delighted visitors with her engaging presentations about the building's history and the 1776 Battle of Trenton.  

After Edith's work-related move to MA in 1983, Elaine joined her in 1990, followed by their mom and sister Barbara in 1994 after their father's death.  The family reunited in Melrose, MA where the twins already sang with the Polymnia Choral Society, a vibrant community chorus founded in the 1950's.  Wherever Elaine lived, she always sought out a place to sing.  While in Trenton, N.J. she joined Princeton Pro Musica.

Elaine also helped Barbara care for her aging mother, who died in 2013.  Prior to this, Elaine worked many years at a charming used bookstore in Marblehead, MA.  She loved being around and collecting books.  Elaine also had a lifelong tendency to delve deeply into a topic that sparked her interest and shared her enthusiasm with those around her.  Such topics included Sherlock Holmes, George Washington, the Marx Brothers, T.E. Lawrence, and Titanic.  Elaine greatly enjoyed taking road trips with her sister, often to N.J. Other destinations included Hampton Beach, the Divine Mercy Shrine in Stockbridge, MA and the Titanic Historical Society in Indian Orchard, MA.

Music was always a very important part of Elaine's life, particularly sacred music.  When Elaine joined the guitar club at St. Aloysius Academy, a Catholic high school in N.J., she couldn't have known how her new skill would enable years of active participation in music ministry in several churches in N.J. and MA. Alone or with her sister Edith, Elaine joyfully led the congregation in praise and worship for at least 10 years (1995-2005) at Masses in St. Mary of the Assumption Church in Revere, now part of The Blessed Mother of The Morning Star Parish.  After 2005 Elaine continued to lead song as a cantor at St. Mary's Church, until her illness prevented her from continuing.  

In her quiet way, Elaine touched all those around her.  She was kind-hearted, friendly, contentious, non-judgmental, and cooperative, even when overcome by illness.  Never driven by ambition or bucket lists, Elaine desired only to be helpful.  She will be greatly missed. 

For guest book please visit www.buonfiglio.com.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Polymnia Choral Society Inc., P.O. Box 760718, Melrose, MA 02176 or to St. Mary of the Assumption Church, 670 Washington Ave, Revere, MA 02151.