You might look at a Browning BAR in 270 or 30-06 instead of just looking at bolt actions. The wood stock version is just about 7 pounds as it comes out of the box, so about 8 pounds with a scope, loaded and ready to carry.
Also the wood stock can be shortened if she's not a tall gal, and so the gun can be made to fit her well.
See this link.
http://www.browning.com/products/cat...id=031&tid=536
A smaller and/or light bullet or lower velocity is a good way to reduce recoil, but so is a gas auto and if you go to an auto you don't have to give up as much power.
One of these firing a full power 270 with a 150 grain bullet is an excellent elk gun and it kicks about like a 25-06 or a light 243.