Elaina C. Arluck

Rensselaer - Elaina C. Arluck, age 74, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at the Schenectady Center for Rehabilitation.

Born in 1951, Elaina was the daughter of the late Bille Joe Bell and Minnie (Sanders) Bell. She proudly served her country in the United States Army from 1980 to 1983 as a marksman and was honorably discharged.

Following her military service, Elaina dedicated her working years to education, serving as a teacher's aide at the Jewish Community Center in Albany. Her commitment to helping others was evident throughout her life.

Elaina was known for her outgoing personality and remarkable strength. For the past 12 years, she made her home at the Village of Eastwyck, where she found great joy in friendship and community, and where she was an active member of the choir. Music, companionship, and service were central to her life.

She is survived by her devoted partner of more than 20 years and caregiver, David E. Taylor. Elaina was a loving mother to her son and daughter and a cherished grandmother to her granddaughter, all of whom held a special place in her heart. She was also the stepmother to the late Versie Bell, who raised her son Jessie.

Elaina is further survived by her sisters, Linda Bell, Valeria Bell, Janice Bell, Flossie Bell-Lomax, and Jacque Frazier; and her brothers, Samuel Sanders, Billie Bell, Damita Bell, and James "Sonny" Bell.

She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, 175 Williams Road, Troy. Inurnment will follow at the Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville, where full military honors will be bestowed.