Elaine Larsen Bollinger

Elaine Larsen Bollinger, a long-time resident of Austin, Texas, died peacefully Wednesday, May 31, 2006 surrounded by her three loving daughters. She was 63. Born in New Orleans, La., she moved to Austin in 1965. She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Texas at Austin, while raising her three young daughters alone, and working full-time. She spent most of her career in the custom home construction business, and served on the boards of Women in Construction and Women of Austin. Elaine will be remembered for her joie de vive and eclectic interests. She was a skilled archer, and in 1967 was the Texas Women's C Bare Bow Archery Champion. She loved gardening, and for many years grew many of her family’s fruit and vegetables herself.. She was also a skilled seamstress, and sewed many of her daughters’ clothes. She enjoyed trolling through garage sales for treasures. She loved to dance, especially ballroom, and taught all her daughters as well. Always active in community causes she sought to better the people and the world around her. She was an active volunteer throughout her life, and worked at the Battered Women’s Center and the Zachary Scott Theatre, to name just two. Elaine lived selflessly and shared her heart and strength generously. She loved unconditionally and drew great joy from helping others, particularly those in need. It can truly be said of her that she never met a stranger. She faced and overcame many extraordinary challenges in her life. Her internal strength and steadfastness supported her well throughout her life. She was preceded in death by her mother, Agnes Fitzmorris Larsen and her father, Harry Duncan Larsen. She is survived by her daughters, Barbara St. John, Karen DeSalvo, and Kristen Fare, and by her granddaughter, Madison Elaine Fare. She is also survived by her siblings, Susan Larsen Daigle, Faye Serpas, Harry Larsen, Christina Higdon, Neils Larsen, and Sharon Veldman. Her passing is a great loss to all who loved her dearly. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Elaine Bollinger Memorial Fund through the Wells Fargo Bank in Austin for memorial gardens in the Austin Park system. Arrangements by Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin, Texas 78705 (512) 452-8811. Obituary and guestbook online at wcfish.com