Elaine Martha Ciani

Elaine Martha Ciani died, at the age of 84, in Austin on June 12, 2014. Born in Austin on February 2, 1930 to Wolfred and Martha Attal, Elaine was preceded in death by her parents and brother, George. She is survived by her brothers, Basil and Charles “Lucky”, her husband, Ronald J. Ciani, her children, Rhonda Balling, Kenny, Dennis and David, her eight grandchildren and newborn great-granddaughter.

A celebration of her life will begin on Tuesday evening, June 17, at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, located at 6100 North Lamar Blvd., from 6:00 to 8:00 with a Rosary beginning at 7:00. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 18, at St. Louis King of France Catholic Church (located at 7601 Burnet Rd.) followed by a repast luncheon at 12:00 in Wozniak Hall.

Elaine attended St. Mary Cathedral Elementary School and St. Mary’s Academy High School where her faith in God was nurtured. The one book found among the cherished mementos of her youth, “The Imitation of Christ” is an indication that the love she had for family, friends and neighbor was planted deep in her heart at a very young age and was the origin of the light that shown forth from her life. After graduation, she worked at the Texas Department of Public Safety for several years before marrying her husband, Ron, on August 1, 1954, and devoting her life to her primary vocation as wife and mother. A quote from an unknown author found recently tucked away in her high school scrap book confirms what her family and friends have always known: “In school when others were planning careers, Elaine always spoke of a home and a family. She looks so happy now, that I am sure she has not for one minute ceased to be a model wife and a devoted mother.”

Daughter, sister, friend, wife, and mother are the five points of light that shown forth from her life and grew ever more brilliant each day of her 84 years. A devoted and dutiful daughter, Elaine always showed love and respect for her parents and ensured that they were involved in her children’s lives – a gift that her children will be forever grateful. As sister, and the eldest, Elaine remained close to her brothers and did what she could to ensure that their families grew up together. A task made easier by the love her brothers had for her. Her brother, Lucky, loved to drop by just after she had put the kids to bed, run into their bedroom to wake them up and then be chased out of the house by his sister. To hear Elaine tell the story, would lead you to believe that she had as much fun with it as Lucky. Although her brother, George, who settled in Hawaii after his Korean War service there, was not around during those early years, Elaine made sure that her children knew of him by telling stories of their childhood together and of his accomplishments. When George moved back to Austin in the early 1970’s, she quickly brought his children under the “Aunt Elaine” spell. In retirement, Ron and Elaine traveled extensively throughout the world with her brother Basil and his wife Gail, now deceased, and became great friends and running buddies even after the traveling stopped. Like her brother, George, Elaine loved to cook for family and friends and naturally became the matriarch of the family after her mother died in 1982. Cooking and hosting gatherings of 50 to 60 family and friends at her home were common for holidays and other family celebrations. Her talent in the kitchen was her instrument of choice used to gather people together. A talent not lost on the real estate community of Austin. Her food was often used by home builders to attract people to their model home showings and other large events. One well known high end home realtor of Austin was seen at a model home showing that you would consider out of her market. When asked why she was attending the showing she quipped, “I saw who was catering”. Nephews and Nieces loved her and looked to her as a central figure in their lives – all with wonderful stories to tell about their “Aunt Elaine” - a term having special meaning for each one of them. As a friend, there was no equal. Today as friends are casually accumulated on social media sites, Elaine gathered and maintained friends over the course of her life. While there were many, three individuals have been a part of Elaine’s life story for 60 – 70 years – Yvonne Simpson, Frances Louis, and Dorothy Johns. Along with Elaine, this group of four has been involved in every stage of each other’s lives: marriage, births of children, family gatherings, vacations, high school reunions, luncheons, work, volunteer service, and weekly telephone calls throughout their friendship. Elaine and Frances taught pre-school together at Hancock Recreation for fourteen years, followed by 25 years of volunteer service at Seton Hospital (Sprout’s Café) along with lifelong friend Dorothy, her aunt Genevieve Kouri and sister-in-law Gail. As wife, one cannot begin to speak for her husband, Ron, but a marriage of 60 years speaks for itself. Their love and affection for one another was expressed daily through their commitment to one another and to their children. Although never rich in material possessions, joy and happiness were the hallmarks of their relationship, which spilled over onto their children. Motherhood and by extension, mother-in-law and grandmother, is the final point of light which, from her children’s point of view, showed the brightest and reflected back upon all parts of her life. Four children who adored their mother, speaks volumes, but enough can never be said to express the love that was shared between this mother and her children. She had a way of making each one of her children feel special without spoiling them. She was strict but fair. Rather than teaching them that the world is their oyster, full of riches to be sought after, she taught them it was a gift to be shared and raised them to love and respect others. The relationship that she developed with her daughter in-laws is a testament to the love she had for family. And as with her children, Elaine made each of her grandchildren feel special. And there is no doubt that during the brief time she was able to spend with Leah, her newborn great-granddaughter, Leah knew she was special too. Grandma loved them dearly and they her. Gathering the grandchildren, even as teenagers, for dinner at grandma’s house was never difficult and something looked forward to by all. As she did during her life, Elaine will once again gather her family and friends in celebration of life, but this time it will be to celebrate her life and to thank her for sharing it with all of us.

“I said to the almond tree, ‘sister, speak to me about God’. And the almond tree blossomed.”(Nikos Kazantzakis) Like the almond tree in full bloom, Elaine became the best version of herself and spoke to us about God. In remembrance, she speaks to us still.

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation to Hospice Austin (www.hospiceaustin.org)