Elaine D. Feldkamp's Obituary
Elaine Demetria Feldkamp (nee Afrates), 80 of Lorain entered into rest peacefully while surrounded by her family on Friday, December 15, 2017.
She was born in Lorain, Ohio on February 18, 1937, the fifth of ten children to James and Mildred Afrates. Elaine was the cherished wife of 58 years to Ron Feldkamp, her loving husband and best friend. Their happy marriage provided a perfect example to everyone who experienced their steadfast commitment and enduring love.
Elaine’s amazing life will be forever treasured by her children, grandchildren, great grandchild, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, godchildren, friends, neighbors and all who came into contact with her. She was a bright shining light and inspiration to others which she demonstrated through her genuine caring interest in their lives.
Family and friends were Elaine’s passion and delight. She loved to host and entertain in her home; from amazing Christmas celebrations to birthday parties for her grandchildren, to slumber parties for her many nieces, she created events that built lasting memories for all.
In addition to her husband Ron, Elaine is survived by her daughter Jamie and husband Matt McKeon of Williamsville, NY and Saint Simons Island, GA; son Ronald and wife Caroline (nee Murray) of Lorain; grandson Jonathan Feldkamp of Lorain; granddaughter Erin Bair and husband Dirk of Romeoville, IL; granddaughter Kelly McKeon of San Francisco, CA; granddaughter Natalie Neubart and husband Matt; and great grandson Jak Plas who brought her great joy.
She is also survived by her siblings Angela Wise of Monroeville, PA; Leonard “Jiggers” Afrates, Alllen Afrates (Deanna); Sandra Kastl (Richard), Cynthia Gladney (James) all of Lorain; and Janice Hoover of Leeds, AL; and countless nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents James and Mildred (nee Zimmerman) Afrates; brothers Kenny, Norman and Dennis “Happy” Afrates; and loving granddaughter Alyssa Anne Feldkamp who was her source of strength and motivation.
Elaine was a graduate of the Lorain High School class of 1955-A, where she was a spirited and talented majorette. After high school she pursued her dream of a career in the airline industry and was selected to attend the Eastern Airlines Flight Attendant Training School in Miami, FL. After graduating in 1958, she flew out of Chicago-Midway Airport where she ensured a safe and memorable flight experience to passengers while enjoying the added benefit of traveling to many destinations on the eastern seaboard which inspired her love of travel.
After marrying Ron and starting a family, she developed a passion for collecting antiques. She founded Elaine’s Attic, an antique and collectibles business and became a professional independent antique appraiser and member of the New England Appraisers Association. Elaine’s Attic evolved into a successful and well-respected estate liquidation business, and she invested time passionately studying antiques to gain knowledge to help her loyal customers.
On any given day you might find Elaine playing team tennis, dancing to Neil Diamond on the stereo, researching information in the library or online, relaxing on her front porch overlooking Lakeview Park, exploring Saint Simons Island, being her grandchildren’s #1 fan, lunching with her friends, or cheering on her favorite team the Cleveland Cavaliers. One of her greatest passions was her antique Valentine collection which she loved to display throughout the area and share with others. Elaine was very proud of her Greek heritage and will be most remembered for her commitment to and love for her family. Above everything else, Elaine had an unwavering faith in God and believed in the power of prayer. She will be deeply missed by family, friends and all who crossed paths with her.
Her family invites you to join them in celebrating her life and sharing stories of remembrance on Tuesday, December 19, 2017 from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Dovin and Reber Jones Funeral Center, 1110 Cooper Foster Park Road, Amherst. Closing prayers will be held on Wednesday, December 20th at 9:30 a.m., in the funeral center, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, 309 West 7th Street, Lorain. Rev. Father Daniel Divis, Pastor, will officiate. Interment will then follow at Calvary Cemetery, Lorain. In lieu of flowers, the family strongly encourages memorial contributions in Elaine’s name be made to Lorain St. Mary Ministry of Mercy or the Lorain Sports Hall of Fame Scholarship Fund which supports student athletes. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.dovinreberjones.com.
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