Elsa Einstein Biography

Elsa Einstein was the second wife as well as a first cousin of Albert Einstein through their mothers. Their fathers were also first cousins. Elsa, who was born with the surname Einstein, lost it when she married her first husband, Max Löwenthal, in 1896. However, she regained it after marrying Albert Einstein in 1919. The daughter of a textile manufacturer, Elsa developed a friendly bond with Albert when they were both children. She, however, developed romantic feelings for him while he was still married to his first wife. Following his divorce and their subsequent marriage, Elsa emerged as a loyal and caring comrade to the physicist. Besides managing his career and day-to-day life, she nursed him when he was in poor health. As a selfless wife, she acknowledged his flaws and still chose to stay with him even though he cheated on her several times. The couple left Germany during the rise of the Nazis and moved to USA. Elsa died in 1936.