Born in Detroit, Michigan, Sister Elaine taught at schools there before entering the Redemptoristine monastery in Liguori. She felt called to a life of prayer and had a perpetual joy and peace in living her contemplative vocation. She professed her vows on Aug. 15, 1983. One of her duties in the monastery was to answer the phone when people called with a prayer request. She was very compassionate and would promise her prayers and the prayers of the sisters for those special needs. She was very mindful of the needs of the poor and the difficulties that are part of everyone’s life. These intentions were also remembered at Mass each day.

The sisters in community would often laugh at her quick wit and sometimes funny jokes. As various health needs arose, including the onset of Alzheimer’s, she spent her later years at St. Andrew’s at Francis Place in Eureka.

Burial was in the Redemptoristine Cemetery at Liguori.