Elaine Rush

Elaine Rush, a longtime resident of Egremont, fondly known as “Jazzy” passed away peacefully on Wednesday afternoon November 30, 2022.

Elaine was born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada on February 10, 1943 to Benjamin and Fay (Lubin) Fraid.  She was the middle of three children, older sister Diana and younger brother Stephen.  By all accounts Elaine forged her own path from the very beginning.  Her parents owned an upscale department store in Montreal and it was there that she found her love of fashion and style.

At age 15, she met her husband Robert Rush at Camp Algonquin. They soon married on May 12, 1964 and she moved to New York City where she began collecting Folk Art.  The two were a great pair.  Different in many ways, but a united front in all the ways that mattered.

Elaine went on to become a prolific antique dealer. She was a trendsetter with an unparalleled sense of style and an uncanny eye for detail. The New York Times Style Section once coined her the “Queen of Fleas” as she had an innate ability to secure unique treasures at every antique show and flea market she attended throughout the year. For all that knew her, professionally and personally the sentiments are the same, “Elaine Rush was a legend”!

In 1992, Elaine and Bob moved to the Berkshires to begin a new venture, “Church Street Trading Company”, an upscale clothing and antique store located on Railroad Street in Great Barrington.  It was there that they built a successful business together and found a community that meant the world to them both.

Elaine will fondly be remembered for her extravagant outfits and her patented pink cars. She lived her life loudly and unapologetically. It was an honor to witness and even more special if you were fortunate enough to be her friend.

As Liza Minnelli sang: “It was a good time, it was the best time, it was a party, just to be near you.” Elaine made every situation more fun and interesting. She was staunchly loyal and was the most generous person you could ever encounter. The world will be less of a party, and a lot less pink, but the hearts of those she loved have been transformed forever and will hopefully carry on her legacy.

Elaine is survived by her daughter, Hillary Rush (Danny Bell), her nephew Emil (Jeana) Lissauer and their two sons, and her beloved grand-dog Jamarcus. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Sandra Fraid, her niece Ariana Fraid and her dear friends Noreen Warner and Nora Sebben.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband Robert Rush, her sister Diana Fraid Lissauer, and her brother Stephen Fraid.

SERVICES – Services are private.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for any donations to go to Fairview Hospital ( https://www.berkshirehealthsystems.org/giving/support-fairview/donate-online-to-fairview ) or the Anti-Defamation League ( https://www.adl.org ) in care of Finnerty and Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230. To send remembrances to the family, please visit finnertyandstevens.com .