Elaine Guyer Straub

Elaine Guyer Straub of Alexandria, Virginia died on July 11, 2025, at the age of 83. Elaine was born on August 2, 1941 in Bound Brook, NJ to Irvin and Violet Guyer. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 50 years, Peter Straub and their three Jack Russell Terriers (Spot, Wendell & Buddy). She is survived and deeply missed by her children, Jennifer (Mark) Higgins, Laura Lowman, Robyn (Ryan) Straub, grandchildren, Christian (Chrissy), Faith, Julia Elaine and Andrew, siblings Frederick Guyer and Roslyn Winfield, niece Kerry and nephews Christopher (Jen) and Darren. Elaine received her B.A. in English from Bucknell University in 1963 and her M.A. in English from Indiana University in 1965. After graduate school, she worked for the Department of Defense for several years and was then a devoted and caring stay at home mom. Once the children were older, she returned to work for the Bricklayers Pension Fund, retiring in 2007.

Elaine was a long-term active member of Annandale United Methodist Church and avid volunteer. She loved music and performed for decades with the Wesleyan/Celebration Singers and the church choir. Elaine was an avid reader and participated in a book group with her dear friends for 40 years.

She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and children and was the peaceful center of the family. She was a mild soul who never raised her voice or said an unkind word. Elaine naturally was a non-judgemental woman who would always lend a listening ear. Those who knew Elaine will remember her for her intelligence, calm presence and sharp wit. She was often seen with a book or crossword puzzle and continued puzzles and Scrabble (she won!) until the day she died. She died from pulmonary fibrosis.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in Elaine’s memory to “George Mason Friends.” Founded in 1975, the Friends is a non-profit organization that serves George Mason Regional Library by providing funding for library projects. To send a donation: a check can be mailed directly to: George Mason Friends, c/o George Mason Regional Library, 7001 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, VA 22003. To access the donation page online, you can use https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/ and specify George Mason Friends/Elaine Straub in the messages line.