Elaine Duschang

Born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, Elaine was the daughter of the late Louis and Sophie Schuchman. She was a proud graduate of the inaugural Masuk High School Class of 1963. Elaine spent many years working locally at Macy’s and G. Fox; her love for creating a warm, welcoming home was reflected in her dedicated work within the domestics department.

A woman of deep faith and spiritual conviction, Elaine’s life was defined by her devotion to the St. Jude Parish and St. Jude School communities and her tireless service to others. Whether she was making hot lunches for schoolchildren, crafting Christmas ornaments for annual fundraisers, or participating in the St. Jude Friday Morning Bible Study and Book Club, she gave of her time and talents without reservation. Her faith was not just a belief, but an action.

Elaine found great fulfillment serving as an associate and longtime volunteer at the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth at Marion Heights, supporting and celebrating the mission of this congregation of retired sisters on holidays, birthdays, and special occasions, where her presence was a source of comfort and light.

In retirement, Elaine returned to her passion for painting, joining a weekly painting group in Fairfield. She found beauty in the world and in scripture, often sharing her creative gifts and spiritual insights with those she loved. She loved gardening, tending to her lemon tree, and collecting. Above all, Elaine was the heart of her family, whether spending summer vacations combing the shores of Lake Huron for beachglass with her children, preparing her home for the holidays, or baking apple squares and giving her grandchildren hugs and kisses, she was a woman whose love and generosity knew no bounds.

Elaine is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, David Duschang originally of Detroit, Michigan, her children, Michelle and her spouse Güney Özkan of Istanbul, Turkey; John and his spouse Melissa Magbag of Wyckoff, New Jersey; and Mark and his spouse Elizabeth of Pawtucket, Rhode Island. She was the cherished grandmother of Cooper, Cole, Michael, Lilly, and Peter. She will be missed by her older sister, Shirley Isleib and spouse Jerry of Monroe; older brother, Leonard Schuchman and spouse Judy of Fernandina Beach, Florida; sister-in-law Ruthann Stewart and spouse Butch of West Rotunda, Florida; and her many beloved nieces and favorite nephew. She was predeceased by her oldest sister, Louise Horniak and her spouse Andy.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate Elaine’s life at a Funeral Mass on Friday, February 13th, at 11:00 AM at St. Jude Church, 707 Monroe Turnpike, Monroe, CT 06468. Repast to follow at Chris Bargas Golf Club at Whitney Farms, 175 Shelton Road, Monroe.

Memorial donations can be made to the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth at Marion Heights at 1428 Monroe, CT 06468, continuing Elaine’s legacy of support for the community she so dearly loved.