Elaine Ruth Soviero, 87, of Pelican Bay in Daytona Beach, Florida, passed away in her sleep on October 17, 2026.

Born on May 7, 1939, in Brooklyn, NY, she was the daughter of George Nystrom and Ruth Michelsen. She grew up in Bensonhurst and attended New Utretch High School, made famous by the TV show “Welcome Back Kotter”, which she was very proud to share.

Elaine married Ronald F. Soviero on August 24, 1958. Together, they raised their family in Port Jefferson on Long Island and Caroga Lake in New York’s Adirondack Mountains before retiring to Daytona Beach in 1992.

A devout Christian, Elaine attended Trinity Lutheran Church in Holly Hill, Florida, and Our Savior Lutheran Church in Centereach, New York. Her favorite pastimes included swimming in her pool, sleeping in her cozy bed, and playing mahjong. An avid sports fan, she enthusiastically cheered for all her beloved UNC Tar Heels teams, watched professional tennis matches regularly, and was a lifelong New York Mets fan.

Her family and friends will remember her as a sweet and loving little woman, who’s mind was sharp as a tack and would always tell you exactly what she was thinking. Elaine was a bright light for so many people throughout her lifetime.

She is survived by her daughter, Susan, and son-in-law, David; her granddaughter, Kelsey, and her husband, Shane; her grandson, TJ, and his wife, Taylor; her step-grandsons, Ryan and his wife, Jessica, and Klint and his wife, Bekki; her great-grandchildren, Alice, Grayson, Sloane, Kai, and Annika; her niece, Barb, and her husband, Dan; several other nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, great-grand-nieces, and great-grandnephews; and cousins and other family in Sweden.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ron; her son, RJ; her sister, Joyce; and her niece, Doreen.

A celebration of her life will be held this winter at Trinity Lutheran Church in Holly Hill, Florida. The date and details will be announced once arrangements are finalized.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, 1205 Ridgewood Avenue, Holly Hill, FL 32117.