Jesse Floyd
Elena H. Chartoff, Ph.D., 54, of Belmont, passed away unexpectedly at home on May 23, 2024.
Elena was known and loved for her sense of humor and raucous laugh, her devotion to parenting, her neuroscience research into mental health and substance use disorders, and her commitment to family and friends. Travel was a particular passion for Elena, including cycling down the Pacific coast, hiking around the U.S. National Parks, and an African safari.
Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Dec. 30, 1969, Elena graduated from Wyoming High School in Wyoming, Ohio in 1988. She earned a bachelor of science in biochemistry and molecular biology from Carnegie Mellon University in 1992 and a Ph.D. in neurobiology and behavior from the University of Washington in 2001. Elena was employed at McLean Hospital in Belmont since 2001, first as a postdoctoral fellow and most recently as the director of the Neurobiology of Motivated Behavior Laboratory and an associate professor of psychiatry at the Harvard Medical School. Shortly before her death, Elena had been planning a career pivot. She was accepted into a Master of Science in media, medicine, and health program at Harvard Medical School to begin in fall 2024.
Elena lived in Belmont since 2006. Her two daughters, Zoe and Riley, both attended the Belmont public schools. As a parent, Elena volunteered her time for the Butler Elementary School PTA and as a soccer coach for several seasons.
Elena is survived by her parents, Richard Chartoff and Susan Lax of Eugene, Oregon; partner Janet Sweezey; former husband Frank Dill; daughters Zoe and Riley Dill; and dogs Scooter and Hogan.
At her best, Elena shared her joy with all those around her and she will be sorely missed.
Elena’s life will be celebrated at a memorial service on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Stonehurst Estate in Waltham. All are welcome but please RSVP if you intend to attend the event at jntsweezey@gmail.com.
