Catherine Elaine Dillard

Elaine, also known as “Mimi” to her close family and friends, was born on September 9, 1937 in Hamilton, OH.

Elaine was a great mom, wife, friend and a true “Go-Getter” in every sense and to those that knew her, as an active and memorable personality in the communities and organizations that she served over her 85 years in Ohio & Florida.

She was married in 1957 to John W. Gough and moved to St. Petersburg, FL where they lived, loved, worked and raised a family. In 1991 she married James E. Dillard, DDS where they remained in St. Pete. until Jim’s retirement in 2006, when they moved to Brooksville, FL where they thoroughly enjoyed each other’s company and the fruits of their life’s labor, soaking up the peace and independence of the country life on their farm.

In 1977 Elaine reentered the workforce as a receptionist and administrator for Dr. Tobias, a periodontal dentist. She thrived in this specialized business and was subsequently hired in 1984 by Dr. Lawrence Bachnik of St. Pete. Elaine continued working as Dr. Bachniks office manager, until her retirement in 2000.

Elaine was an active member of Mariner Methodist Church in Spring Hill where she made many close friends and was involved in many activities. Their church home brought both she and Jim great joy and spiritual fulfillment.

Aside from her love of cooking, housekeeping and working with Jim on the Farm, they both had a passion for travel and together they toured nearly (40) countries. They experienced the thrill of sharing these memories as soulmates and going places and doing things that they both had always dreamed of.

Elaine is survived by her Sons’ Scott Gough of Brooksville and Dan Gough and his wife Suzan of St. Pete. Her Stepdaughters Beth and her husband Hector Del’Carpio of Gulfport, FL and Barbara and her husband, Guy McRee of Atlanta, GA.

She had (9) Grandchildren; Emily Gough-Owenby, Kenny & Eric Gough, Sam & Cydney Gough, Gabriella & Caleb Alves and Autumn & Fulton McRee.

And her most recent addition to the family, the first Greatgrandchild Cole Owenby she was able to meet, hold and love on, just a month prior to her passing.

Although “Mimi” suffered greatly from the effects of Alzheimer’s and Dementia, she never lost her special brand of humor, personality, and candid expression. Thanks to God’s grace, her final months were spent at Arden Court of Largo where she received the type of unrivaled care & compassion. Elaine even became a favorite amongst these real-life, care-giving angels. They often expressed their affection for her as a particularly “Spicy Personality” and a precious soul that will live in their hearts and ours, forever.

In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the following organizations:

Mariner Methodist Church of Spring Hill, FL

The Alzheimer’s Association & Dementia Society of America