Elaine P. Golfin
Elaine Golfin peacefully passed away on the evening of April 20, 2018. She left behind a wonderful legacy of family devotion that will endure.
The daughter of Greek immigrants Emily and Pete Adam, Elaine grew up in Litchfield, Illinois. She was a model student and dearly loved looking after her sister Marika and young Nicholas, whom she forever affectionately called her "baby brother". At the age of 19, she played the piano for a young man visiting her home with his father, who had been boyhood friends with her father in Greece. Thus began an enduring love story between Elaine and her beloved Leon. Elaine and Leon spent 65 happy years of marriage in St Louis, Missouri, with barely a day apart.
Elaine was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, sister-in-law, and friend. She was loved by all. She was beautiful. She always had an encouraging word and a sunny outlook. She was passionate about music and she danced beautifully. She brought happiness to others with her talent at the piano and her singing.
Elaine celebrated all good things, large and small. She lived her life in gratitude. She never spoke badly of anyone and discouraged others from doing so. Her kindness was legendary. Her good advice to "cultivate your friendships" rewarded her handsomely in her life. She loved to say "It’s a wonderful life" and "It’s a big beautiful world." She lived her life to love, and was loved in return.
Her memory will be cherished by her brother Nicholas Adam (Demi), brother-in-law Byron Golfin (Carolyn), daughters Emily Heitzmann (Gary), Lucy Graham (Dave), and Jane Hake (Steve), and her grandchildren Sara, Amanda (Levi), Nicholas, Greg (Gel), Maggie, and Ellie, and many nieces and nephews.
Services: A memorial celebration will be held at a later date.
Donations: In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Autism Delaware, 924 Old Harmony Road, Newark, Delaware 19713.
The Family would like to invite you to share your memories of Elaine in the comments below. To view shared photos of Elaine, please click on this link: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmaoL6vs