STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Elaine Sanchez, a longtime Staten Island resident whose life was defined by creativity, service and an unwavering devotion to making others feel special, died Jan. 1. She was 89.
Born Oct. 28, 1936, in Cienfuegos, Cuba, Elaine immigrated to the United States at age 20, settling with relatives in Manhattan.
Artistic by nature, she found her calling early, beginning work as an assistant in a local beauty salon before earning her beautician’s license from the Hollywood School in Manhattan.
She went on to work at several salons throughout New York City, most notably at Antoinette’s Beauty Salon, which she fondly described as “Grand Central Station,” because clients came from all over the world. Her warmth and talent left a lasting impression on clients, many of whom showed their appreciation through thoughtful gifts and enduring friendships.
One such friendship — with Staten Island resident Jane Lyons — proved life-changing.
Elaine worked for a time at Antoinette’s Beauty Salon in Manhattan, which she fondly described as “Grand Central Station,” because clients came from all over the world.(Courtesy of the Sanchez Family)A new career in service
Encouraged by Lyons to seek a position that offered long-term stability and a pension, Elaine made a career shift that led her to Sea View Nursing Home in February 1989. There, she worked in the fourth-floor beauty shop, bringing the same care and compassion that had defined her salon work, according to her obituary.
Around this time, Elaine relocated from Manhattan to New Dorp to be closer to her brother Jose and family. Despite the move, she continued traveling to the city on weekends to care for her loyal clients.
In 1999, Elaine expanded her dedication to service by becoming a nurse’s aide at the Sea View Adult Day Health Program. She loved to make residents and clients feel special, often speaking about the power of a fresh haircut, a clean shave or a touch of nail polish to lift someone’s spirits. During quiet moments at work, Elaine could often be found feeding patients or offering haircuts to co-workers in exchange for donations to the program.
Her dedication was formally recognized in 2003, when she received a Public Service Award from the 100 Year Association of New York, which honors outstanding New York City civil service employees.
After 27 years of service, Elaine officially retired from Sea View in 2016 at age 80, though she maintained her beautician’s license for many years after.
Outside work, Elaine found joy in shopping, dancing, playing the lottery and spending time with family and friends. (Courtesy of the Sanchez Family)Life outside of work
Away from the workplace, Elaine found joy in shopping, dancing, playing the lottery, and spending time with family and friends. She loved sharing stories of her life in Cuba, her travels to Spain, and her years in the beauty industry.
A woman of faith, she often prayed for others, asking “that God would take away the negative,” and was known for sending cards adorned with her own hand-drawn illustrations.
Elaine remained independent for most of her retirement, moving to Clove Lakes Health Care and Rehabilitation Center in May 2025, where she remained until her passing.