“Elsa Kolansky has a bachelors degree in Journalism and Advertising from Pennsylvania State University, and has worked as an editor, newspaper reporter, and freelance writer.

She started her career as as a reporter for local weekly newspapers. After selling her first article to The Ladies Home Journal, and then to the Jewish Exponent, she did more freelance writing, including a three-part series for the Jewish Exponent on how Jewish singles of all ages can meet suitable mates. She also investigated and wrote the chapter on the history of the mental hospitals in Montgomery County which was included in "The Second Hundred Years of Montgomery County". Subsequently, she was feature editor of the newsletter of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

While her children were young, She was involved with their activities both in public school and Hebrew school at Beth Sholom. She subsequently became active in the Henrietta Szold group of the Philadelphia chapter of Hadassah, the largest women's Zionist organization in the world, first as program chair, then as co-president.

Her commitment to and awareness of the need to help others was realized while in high school as she volunteered at the Jewish Home for the Friendless (a home for young Jewish girls without families) in her hometown of Scranton. Her family was committed to Jewish life, and active in the synagogue and the community.

She is married to Harold, a physician, medical author and educator. They have three grown children, all in the Philadelphia area. “ — Source: Hebrew Free Loan Society of Greater Philadelphia, Board of Directors ( http://www.hebrewfreeloanphila.org/board.htm#Elsa%20Kolansky )

Her obituary refers to her grandchildren:
- Jessica,
- Robert (Sarah),
- David,
- Jonathan and
- Matthew Kolansky.