Elaine attended elementary and high school in south Texas, and started college at the University of Texas at Austin (UT). Prior to finishing her studies at UT, Elaine moved to California and resided in the Monterey Bay area. Elaine later moved to Germany, back to Texas and eventually back to California, residing in Coronado beginning in 1965.
Elaine traveled often from this point forward with her mother, visiting Europe, the Middle East, the Far East and other areas of the world. In 1969 she returned to UT and completed her college education, earning an English degree. She then returned to Coronado and began working as a full-time teacher in San Diego.
Elaine taught school in the Chula Vista and National City elementary school districts for more than 20 years. She taught every grade from kindergarten to sixth, and specializing toward the end of her career in teaching computer skills to kids. Elaine retired from teaching and continued her life in Coronado, residing at 555 I Ave. until 2008. Elaine then moved to Idyllwild and resided on the Hill until her passing.
Elaine was an accomplished seamstress who learned to sew from her mother. She grew up sewing and doing needlepoint. She learned to quilt in her later years, and made many quilts for family, friends and others. She was active in many quilting and sewing clubs over the years, and will forever be remembered for her unique talents in this area.
Elaine had many pets over the years, all of whom she loved equally. Kitrik the Burmese cat, Sabrosa the alley cat, Curly the cockapoo, Chappie the orange tabby cat, Claude the orange tabby cat, Maggie the Labradoodle and Molly the Australian shepherd.
Elaine is survived by her sons Wade of New Columbia, Penn., his wife Erica and granddaughter Piper; and Russ of Bel Air, M.D., his wife Amy, grandson Thomas, and granddaughters Allison and Emily.
Elaine was laid to rest at La Vista Memorial Park on April 4, 2013, during a graveside service officiated by Father Michael Murphy of Sacred Heart Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are made in her name to the Animal Rescue Friends of Idyllwild at arfidyllwild.weebly.com.
