Elaina Marie Rager

Elaina Bissell-Rager went to be with the Lord on Saturday, August 6th at 12:04 p.m., surrounded by loved ones. She was born in Glens Falls, N.Y. on October 10, 1941 and was the second of eight children to Arthur and Lulamae Gage. Elaina had a passion for people, business, politics and music. She graduated from Hudson Falls High School in 1960. She enjoyed singing in the chorus both in school and in church. She also graduated from Austin Beauty School and worked in the beauty business for thirty years, starting with Mr. Walt in Bolton Landing, N.Y. Her entrepreneurial spirit soon led to the first of several home based businesses in South Hartford, N.Y. This was the first of several other home based salon locations, where her loyal customers followed. She loved seeing her weekly customers, many of whom became beloved friends. She opened "Elaina's Natural Skin Care and Cosmetics" in the 1970's. She eventually moved across the street from the mall to open a Body Wrap business that was internationally recognized. She incorporated the new day spa components to her already well known cosmetics, skin care, body wrap and hair salon. To her many employees, she was a role model, mentor and friend. Some may remember her beauty tip spot on WWSC, "Think Pretty and You Will Be!" She was a leader in Professional Women and the Republican Women organizations. With the diagnosis of fibromyalgia, she was forced to slow down and move to a warmer climate. She moved to Virginia with her daughter, Rainee, where she met Captain Richard Rager, who she married in 2002. In Virginia, she was an active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. This is also where Elaina began to design and sell pearl jewelry. Her business, Pearls Plus Designs, sold primarily to wounded warriors, their families and healthcare workers at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Washington, D.C. She proudly donated twenty percent of the earnings to the Wounded Warrior Program. To her children, she was a tireless mother, businesswoman, cheerleader, and friend. She was passionate about her family, always making sure everyone's needs were met. She loved to dance and sing. Elaina and her four sisters sang professionally as the "Satin Dolls". Her musical talent was exceptional and truly enjoyable for her children and grandchildren to witness. To her grandchildren and great grandchild, she was a "tickle monster", with endless "butterfly kisses." She was also known as "Nana Banana" and they all loved her "bigger than the bunk beds." As they grew up, they were also encouraged to live to their fullest potential as she cheered them on to achieve excellence and a higher education. She always opened up her home and heart to those in need. Elaina's fun, creative spirit was always apparent in her cheerful, bright attire and beautiful pearls she wore every day.

Elaina was predeceased by her parents, Arthur Gage and Lulumae Gage-Hodder; first husband, Raymond Bissell; sister Sylvia O'Dell, and niece, Lori Gage. Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Captain Richard Rager of McLean, Virginia; daughter, Leza Wood (Tim) of Kingsbury N.Y., son, Raymond Tracey Bissell (Jackie), of Vienna, Virginia, and daughter, Rainee Bolanos (Marlon) of Lorton, Virginia; sisters, Lu Anderson (Neil), Kathy Bain (Allan), and Connie Fuller (Kneeland); brothers, Bill Gage (Sharon), Mark Gage (Lynda), and Ron Gage (Barb); her step-children, Sharon Di Renzo ( Vincent); Randy Rager; Richard Rager III ( Amy); grandchildren, Zackeria Bissell, Kayla Keith, Chelsea Bolanos, Rebecca Saville (Mike), Marcus Wood, Ashley Bolanos, Charlene Wood, Brandon Bolanos, Jackie Ann Rager, Rebecca Rager, Lauren Bean (Geoff), Vince DiRenzo , Richard Rager III, Annie Rager, Abby Rager, Matthew Monohan, Arianna Scott and James Patrick Rager; nieces, Margaret Bennett (Ted), William Anderson (Laurie), Amy Gage (Andrew), Lea Pettis (Craig), Mary Gage (Wayne), John Bain, Kelly Bain (Dave), Trisha Boucher (Mark), Stacy Fuller (Assaf) and Dena Friday; great-nieces and nephews, Jerica Bennett, Lori Pettis, Bailey Pettis, Conner Gage, Marissa Nicholson, Anistasia Laraway, Brice Laraway, Briant Laraway, Kegan Bain, Callista Bain, Dennis Bain, Elisabeth Bain, Madeline Lacoff, Jonathon Lacoff, Ethan Lamdan, Ryan Friday, Kimberly Friday and Great Grandson, Anon Saville.

Friends and family may call from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Monday, August 15, 2016 at Murphy Funeral Home, 1102 W. Broad St., Falls Church, Va. with a Funeral Service to follow at Lewinsville Presbyterian Church in McLean. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at The Presbyterian Church on Sunday, August 21st at 1 p.m in Hudson Falls, New York. Interment will be at Arlington Cemetery at a later date.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the wonderful staff at Walter Reed National Military Hospital.