Elaine “Bunny” M. (Wells) Casavant

Born in Salem, MA, she was the daughter of the late S. Henry Wells, Jr. and Elinor M. (Batchelder) Wells. She was the beloved wife of the late Leonard “Lenny” Casavant for 52 years, until his passing in 2019.

A devoted mother and grandmother, Elaine found her greatest joy in her family. She is survived by her daughters, Michelyn Healey and her husband, Paul, of Medway, MA and Danielle Casavant and her husband, Rod Lambert, of Lansing, MI. She will be forever cherished by her grandchildren, Lauren and Jennifer Healey. She is survived by her siblings, S. Henry “Nippy” Wells III and his wife, Jennifer Marks-Wells, of FL; Janet Bennett and her husband, Daniel, of MA; Donald Wells and his partner, Ruth Stellatella, of MA; and Paula Wells Hutchison and her husband, Jay, of NH; along with many loving nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her sister, Ruthie McNulty and her husband, Thomas; and her nephew, Thomas McNulty.

Elaine attended Holten High School, Danvers, MA where she developed many lifelong friendships, and later graduated from the Catherine Laboure School of Nursing, Dorchester, MA. Elaine’s compassionate and empathetic demeanor was a natural fit as a registered nurse. She specialized in critical care working at Hunt Memorial Hospital in Danvers, Lynn Union Hospital, and Lahey Clinic of Burlington, while she and Lenny raised their family in Beverly, MA. A move to Hudson, MI led to work at Thorn and Bixby Hospitals and Flower Hospital, OH and while living in Myrtle Beach she worked at Georgetown and Waccamaw Community Hospitals. Throughout her career Elaine was known for her nursing acumen, mentoring of colleagues, and most importantly for her warmth, compassion, and empathy for the people entrusted to her care.

For over 25 years, Elaine lovingly cared for Lenny, who was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s Disease. She immersed herself in the PD community, led local and online support groups, and worked with the Michael J. Fox Foundation and the Parkinson’s Foundation on research and fundraising efforts. She and Lenny, family and friends, enjoyed the Parkinson’s Unity Walks in Central Park and fundraising events in Lansing, MI. Elaine was a tireless advocate on behalf of people with Parkinson’s and their families and proudly served on the People with Parkinson’s Advisory Council for many years. With the Council, she provided emotional testimony at the FDA which contributed to the approval of a groundbreaking medication to treat psychosis in Parkinson’s patients. Elaine’s guidance, insight, and warmth touched the lives of all who knew her throughout the global PD community.

Above all, Elaine’s most meaningful and treasured role was that of mom. She was deeply proud of her daughters, supporting them in all their endeavors, and always had a presence in their lives. She cherished her role as “Nanny” and shared a special bond with her granddaughters, making them feel loved and important. She especially enjoyed spending holidays together and baking Christmas cookies. She will fondly be remembered by family, friends, and neighbors for fun gatherings and July 4th pool parties at her home in Beverly, where she always made everyone feel welcome. She will lovingly be remembered for her quick wit, warm sense of humor, and her kind heart. Elaine’s legacy of devotion, compassion, and generosity of spirit will live on in her children, grandchildren, and all whose lives she touched.

There will be no formal services at this time. Elaine’s family and closest friends will gather for a private celebration of her life on a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Elaine’s memory to the Parkinson’s Foundation, www.parkinson.org