Retired Pittsburgh News Reporter Dies Suddenly

According to WESA-FM, where she performed freelance work after retiring, Effort "was a founding member of the Pittsburgh Black Media Federation, a mentor to dozens of young journalists, a Girl Scouts leader, a mother and a grandmother."

The Detroit native was so well-regarded by her professional colleagues and the people whose stories she told that Pittsburgh City Council honored her by proclaiming Dec. 28, 2017 as Elaine Effort Day in the City of Pittsburgh.

Numerous tributes to Effort have been posted on social media as word of her death has spread.

"This is heartbreaking," Pittsburgh journalist Ann Belser stated in a Facebook post. "We spent a good deal of time together in the county courthouse covering county government and various trials. She was smart, a terrific writer but her greatest gift was her kindness."

"I am heartbroken to learn of the passing of legendary radio journalist Elaine Effort," former city Councilman Dan Gilman posted on Facebook. "She was such a brilliant professional and kind-hearted individual."

Funeral arrangements have not been announced.