Born in New Bedford, daughter of the late James and Eva (Riendeau) Emerson, she resided in New Bedford for most of her life before moving to Fairhaven over 3 years ago.
She was an honors graduate of New Bedford High School, where she proudly never missed a day of school. She also attended the Catherine Gibbs Secretarial School.
Mrs. Rousseau had worked for the law offices of Aleixo, Miles, Murray and Rounds and then for NStar, now Eversource, until her retirement. She was the church organist and choir member at Our Lady of Fatima Church for over 60 years and was a proud recipient of the Marian Medal.
An enthusiastic sun worshipper, Elaine loved the beach and enjoyed summer vacations on Martha’s Vineyard and Door County, Wisconsin. She could be found puttering in her yard, tending to the grass, shrubs and flowers. On summer evenings, she could be heard cheering for the Boston Red Sox. A kind and compassionate soul, she was loved by all who knew her. She was always ready to lend a helping hand and was generous with her time. She was very quick-witted and loved to laugh. A voracious reader, she supported the public library system. She never met a lobster dinner she didn’t like (and could find enough meat in the “skeletons” after everyone else was finished to make lobster salad). Family was of utmost importance to her; she assured that holidays and birthdays were exceptional and festive. She enjoyed relaxing and sipping sangria with her sister Brenda, whom she adored. She celebrated her children’s achievements with an immense amount of pride. Above all, she loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grands, to whom she was wholeheartedly devoted. Elaine never stopped teaching, and her greatest lessons were love and generosity.
Elaine is survived by her sister, Brenda R. Leblanc of Venice, FL; her children, David Rousseau and his wife Cherie of Somonauk, IL, Marc Rousseau and his wife Bonnie of New Bedford; Suzanne Cosgrove and her husband John of Tiverton, RI, and her daughter-in-law, Beth Rousseau of Sandwich, IL; eight grandchildren; a multitude of great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She was the mother of the late Peter Rousseau and sister-in-law of the late Jerry Leblanc.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 309 Waverley Oaks Rd., Waltham, MA 02452.
For online tributes please visit: www.rock-funeralhome.com
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