Elaine Schuster
Elaine M. Schuster (April 5, 1932 – August 1, 2022) was an American philanthropist, diplomat, civic leader, and Democratic activist. In 2009–2010, President Barack Obama named her a Public Delegate to the United Nations General Assembly, where she focused on human trafficking.
In 2004, she and her husband, Gerald Schuster, founded The Elaine and Gerald Schuster Institute for Investigative Journalism at Brandeis University. They also started a community network center called PEACE (Partnerships in Education and Community Enrichment). The Schusters supported Brigham and Women’s Hospital with a Transplant Center and a Surgical Suite named for them.
Elaine Schuster and her husband received the Heritage Society Award from Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and she was honored by Franciscan Children’s Hospital. In 2011, she was honored by the Big Sister Association of Greater Boston. In 2013, Brandeis University awarded her an honorary doctorate for her work in education, health care, and human rights. Boston Magazine named her one of 100 Women Who Run Boston.
She was active in Democratic politics at both the state and national levels. She served as Finance Chair to Senator John Kerry, was on Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign National Advisory Board and the New England Chair, and chaired the Democratic National Committee’s Women’s Leadership Forum. The Massachusetts State Democratic Party later honored her for her work supporting Democratic values.
Elaine Schuster was born on April 5, 1932. She was married to Gerald Schuster, the late president of Continental Wingate Company Inc. She lived in Boston, Osterville, Massachusetts, and Palm Beach, Florida. She died on August 1, 2022, at the age of 90. Leaders who knew her, including Attorney General Maura Healey and former Secretary of State John Kerry, praised her generosity, public service, and impact on women candidates.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 08:47 (CET).