Elaine McClure, 75, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away on December 11. She was surrounded by her husband of 52 years, and her children.

Daughter of Jim and Ada Ransom, Elaine was born on December 17, 1947, in Hackensack, New Jersey. She graduated from Thiel College with a degree in history and The College of New Jersey with a master’s degree in mathematics.

Elaine met the love of her life, Bill, at Thiel. They married on December 11, 1971, and had three children. They lived in Newtown for many years. They also resided in Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland. Elaine and Bill moved to Longboat Key, Fla., in 2011.

Family was the great joy of Elaine’s life. She was a source of strength for her parents and siblings, a best friend to her children, and a devoted grandma. She loved Bill with every breath she took.

A natural hostess, Elaine enjoyed entertaining and was a skilled chef and baker. She loved to travel, both to visit friends and family and to explore new places. Elaine was a talented bridge player, becoming a ruby life master. She was always up for any game, and she didn’t mind winning. She loved to swim and looked forward to seeing her friends at the pool.

Elaine made a difference everywhere she lived. In Newtown, she served on the Legislative Council and chaired the Board of Education for eight years, overseeing the opening of Reed Intermediate School. In Longboat Key, Elaine served as an elder in a session of Christ Church of Longboat Key. While on the board of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Center Foundation, she served as its treasurer.

Elaine’s energy and joy for life were contagious. Even when faced with a debilitating disease, she kept her sweet nature and strong faith in God.

In addition to her parents, Elaine was predeceased by her brother James “Jimbo” Ransom and her sister, Adele Brown.

Elaine is survived by her husband, Bill; her children Jeffrey (Joy) McClure, Laura Anastasia, and Brittany (Josh) Overmiller; her grandchildren Ethan, Orin, Kieran, James, Oakley, Shawn, and Xiomara; her brother, Keith (Laura) Ransom; her sisters- and brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews, and countless friends.

A celebration of life will be held at Christ Church of Longboat Key on Saturday, January 6, at 3 pm.