Gail Duckman Wenzel
I am grateful to have shared our time in Amundsen High School
With Elaine. We were able to reconnect at the last reunion.I changed careers from teaching to nursing at Illinois Masonic years after Elaine attended there. She was a beautiful person and will be greatly missed.

I cannot even contemplate leaving just one memory. Rather, I would like to share an amalgamation of my Elaine memories.
She was a staunch supporter and caretaker of those who were lucky enough to find themselves in her good graces. Fiercely loyal, considerate to a fault, and a tireless contributor to the well-being of those around her.
It was obvious to all who knew her that Elaine J. McGovern believed her role was to leave this planet better than she found it. As I move forward personally, I will think of three influences from her which will impact the rest of my days.
First, she treated me like family from the first second I met her. There was an awkward period of exactly zero point zero seconds. She knew I was Dean’s friend, and that was my automatic qualifier. I was completely at ease with her from the get-go. She did not hesitate to give me the oft neede constructive criticism.
Secondly, I admire her commitment to living the good life. She kept traveling, skiing, and encountering adventures when the majority of her peers chose only to endeavor into a slow or rapid decline. How ironic she had to go despite the vigor and plans she still possessed.
Third...lastly...I consider the legacy she left us all. Not just Debbie and Dean, but her grandchildren as well: Peyton, River, Margot, Cameron, Kingsley, Braden, Harrison and Teryn. We all know she poured her heart into these ten until her very last breath. What a role model for me. Live well as long as you can. Embrace the day and surmount its challenges. When you depart, with or without a farewell, be certain everyone who hears of your passing knows you did not consent. Rather, you’d have preferred to stick around and enrich the lives of your family, friends, foes, and strangers. Why not, after all?
I will miss you, Elaine.

Mom was full of purpose. She gave all she had to others-- her time, her spirit, her laugh, her skills, her energy. She would always ask: "How can I be helpful?" and would not wait for the answer before jumping in to lend a hand or an ear to someone in need. Love you, mom. We will miss you so much.

Elaine was so "there" for everyone -- her children, grandchildren, sister, many friends, and many others whose path she crossed. Wonderful memories, from 8848 Kenneth Drive in Des Plaines to the ski slopes of Austria and the UP (and a terrifying single-engine plane ride for Debbie), from Ravinia concerts, an investment club, Late Nite Catechisms, and just catching up on the phone. I will miss her friendship, her concern, her advice and her humor (she did love to laugh!). God bless and keep her safely in His heart!
Jane Kaufmann

Elaine's Mom Sophie was my Dad's sister and we always spent time together when we were little either at her house or our's. I remember all the time we spent playing canasta with Janet and my sister Barb. Spoke with Elaine right before Thanksgiving to let her know our Aun...

Elaine and I met in nurses training at Il. Masonic Hospital School of Nursing. When we finished school we got our first job at the same hospital. We had fun during our young single years traveling and meeting new people. We stayed in touch all these years and got together when I came to
Chicago from my home in Florida. Elaine tought me how to drive a car, balance a checkbook and introduced me to my husband. Her children and grandchildren were the world to her. She was always there for them. I am grateful I had her in my life and will miss her. Beverly Topp

OBITUARY

Elaine J. McGovern

3 December, 1939 – 4 January, 2018

Glueckert Funeral Home

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