Elinor Martha Glaser Seifried

Elinor Martha Glaser Seifried, 96, formerly of Tenafly NJ and Deerfield IL, died peacefully on September 16th 2025 in Sussex County NJ of old age after a long healthy life. In her final weeks, she received visits and calls from family members and friends from across the US and the world. She felt your love. Elinor was born on February 11th. 1929 at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital. She didn’t stay long, as her parents couldn’t afford the hospital and her first crib was a bottom drawer at 143 Amsterdam Ave., NYC. Her parents were Frieda Martha Henrietta Maria Reinhardt Plaul Glaser 1903-1979 and Herbert Paul Glaser 1902-1997; both German immigrants who arrived in 1923. They met in NYC and married in 1927. Later Elinor was joined by two brothers, Herbert (1937) and Walter (1940). Elinor attended Tenafly High School and was voted most popular. In the period 1947-51 she studied at Cornell University, Bates College, and graduated with a BA in Music from Douglas Women’s College, the women’s college of Rutgers University. During this time, she worked at Culvermere Resort in New Jersey where she entertained as an accordionist and taught archery. In 1955 she married Frank Edward Seifried (later divorced), with whom she had four children (Joan, Paul, David and Nancy) Music remained the defining thread of Elinor’s life. At the age of 15 she performed her first Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto. She was pianist for the Cornell Glee Club and accompanist for many other musical organizations (some world famous). She was the founder of the internationally acclaimed Melodeers, seven-time Sweet Adelines world champions (she directed the first winning chorus). She taught piano from 1958-1969 to numerous students. From 1997-2017, Elinor performed as a pianist for religious services, plays, and concerts (including Four Hands on Two Grand Pianos) for the Moorings in Arlington Heights IL. Her interests went beyond music to include investing, bridge, books, travel, golf, and bowling where she was a star and regularly bowled games well into the 200s. Elinor is predeceased by her parents Frieda and Herbert Glaser, and her brothers Herbert and Walter. She is survived by her children Joan, Paul (wife Melissa), David (wife Mette), Nan (husband Hugh). Six grandchildren and their partners: Emily (husband Matt), Laughlin (wife Meredith), Doug (wife Libby), Beatrix (fiancé Sean), Mariana, and Luisa, and four great grandchildren Elinor, Madeleine, Callan and Orla. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Ann and Judy Glaser and by nieces, nephews, and non-family “family,” too many to mention but whom she loved greatly. She will be laid to rest at Brookside Cemetery in Englewood, NJ, buried by her mother's side, near her father, near her brothers and close to her favorite “aunt and uncle”. The family thanks all those who have been there for our mother throughout her life, including caregivers in her later life. She will be remembered as someone who encouraged others to live life to the fullest and to make memories that could be carried and cherished forever. She saw this as the greatest gift that anyone could leave behind to those they love. And for these memories we thank her. Below are the details of Elinor’s visitation which is open to all who wish to attend. We would love to see you there. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to the following musical charity: UpBeat NYC which helps kids in the Bronx flourish through music: https://upbeatnyc.org/?form=give Memorial Visitation Thursday October 2, 2025 from 3pm - 6:30pm at the Barrett Leber Funeral Home Tenafly. Between 5:00-6:00 Memories of Elinor will be Shared by the Family.

Elinor Martha Glaser Seifried

September 16, 2025