Elaine Riordan Bodnar

January 16, 1920-November 13, 2013

Elaine Regina Riordan/Bodnar, 93, was born January 16, 1920, in Coatesville, Pennsylvania to the parents of the late Frank and Lillian Eddins. She was the younger sister to the late Fred Eddins. She is survived by her son Michael Riordan his wife Marilyn and their children and spouses, Ryan and Kelly Riordan , Sean and Jenn Riordan, and Alison Riordan; and her daughter Elizabeth Luyben her husband James , and their children James Jr. and Jessica Luyben, Sarah and Lalo Cervantes, Paul and Jenny Luyben, Natalie Luyben, and Nicole and Jonathan Watson. Elaine was great grandmother to 10 ½ great grandchildren.

Born in Coatesville, Pa and following the death of her mother at age 4, Elaine was raised together with her brother Fred, and her cousin Blaine, by her Aunt Hannah and Uncle Jim. In her early twenties she set out on a train without a plan to California where she met and married her husband Lawrence Paul Riordan, on November 13, 1947. Paul and Elaine settled in Lakewood on Greenmeadow Road during the housing boom of the early 1950’s and became a part of this young growing city. With a growing family she volunteered her time with her children as a Cub Scout den mother, a Girl Scout Leader, and became a part of the newly formed Lakewood Little League, as a team mom, and established lifelong friendships. A new adventure happened when with friends; Elaine and Paul entered the City of Lakewood Chili Contest, their culinary skills rewarded them with a first place trophy on the first try and the four friends together found a hobby they could enjoy together with more chili and more awards!

Her faith journey continued as she became a member of this young, growing church, Lakewood First United Methodist Church , where she met and maintained her many lifelong friendships. Elaine served on several committees, Bible studies, and her Circle group. She included Meals on Wheels and several election committees as her volunteer work within this city.

Following the death of her husband Paul, she met and married John Bodnar and continued to travel and volunteer her time. With John’s sudden death she relied on the strength of her family to fill her days. She was the proud grandmother at every birthday, graduation & celebration and she beamed at all of her grandchildren’s weddings. Elaine took great pride in the fact that she was well protected with her three grandsons and one granddaughter, all members of the Long Beach Police department. She was also proud at the graduation of her granddaughter from nursing school as now she had her own personal nurse! All of her grandchildren were her most cherished blessings. Babies became her next joy as she saw the arrival of 10 beautiful great grand children. She beamed with pride holding each and every one of them and was joyful at her newest namesake, her legacy was almost complete.

Elaine was sent home to Heaven surrounded and armed with the prayers of her beloved family praying her way into the gates of heaven on what would have been her 66 wedding anniversary, November 13, 2013.

A celebration of Elaine’s life will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. ,November 19, 2013, at Lakewood First United Methodist Church, 4300 Bellflower Blvd. Lakewood, Ca, with her burial at All Souls Cemetery 4400 Cherry Avenue, Long Beach, CA. A time for sharing her amazing life will take place at Lakewood Country Club following her burial.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to: Long Beach Police Officers Association-

(Please note)Widows & Orphans Trust Fund-Elaine Riordan 2865 Temple Ave. Long Beach, CA 90755.

Luyben Family Dilday-Mottell Mortuary (562) 425-6401