Elaine Mazur

Elaine Joan Rutkowski Mazur passed from this life on August 20, 2012 in Castle Rock (Denver), Colorado. She was born January 27, 1929 in Garfield Heights (Cleveland), Ohio to Michael S. and Helen V. Rutkowski.

Elaine was in the first graduating class of Beaumont High School, an exclusive Cleveland Catholic school for girls founded by the Ursuline nuns. She was Prefect of the Sodality and excelled in her studies. She enjoyed theatrical plays, writing and fashion. She attended Virginia Intermont College after graduation from Beaumont.

Elaine married Edward Mazur, also of Cleveland, and began a life of domestic devotion to Ed and their three children. She became a Licensed Practical Nurse and entered the nursing profession in the early 1970s focusing on geriatrics.

Elaine and Ed found the perfect home in Mena, Arkansas where she enjoyed the natural beauty of the Ouachita Mountains and the friendly hospitality of the local people. She formed many close friendships over the course of their 38 years in Mena.

Elaine was a woman of many talents. She was a proficient piano player and loved to sing. She began voice lessons at age 63 and sang in the church choir of St. Agnes Catholic Church in Mena, Arkansas. While she never acknowledged artistic talent, Elaine’s doodles and scribbles indicated her eye for line and form was well developed. She enjoyed writing and devoted herself to supporting husband Ed’s writing career instead. She served as his critic, editor and proofreader.

Anyone who knew Elaine knew of her extraordinary cooking and baking skills. Her daily meals were always home cooked and made from scratch. The holiday meals were equally as memorable. Elaine showed her love and appreciation for her family through the countless hours she spent in the kitchen preparing healthy foods for her family and friends.

Elaine is survived by one daughter, JoAnne Mazur of Parma, Ohio; one son, Vincent Mazur (Wendy Barnett Mazur) of Castle Rock, Colorado; two granddaughters, Jennifer Dyer Holland (David Holland) of Fayetteville, Arkansas and Laurel Celastine Mazur of Castle Rock, Colorado; one grandson, Michael B. Mazur of Orlando, Florida and one great granddaughter, Jade Alexandra Holland of Fayetteville, Arkansas. She was preceded in death by husband Edward Mazur, son Michael Mazur and her brother Donald Rutkowski.

Elaine was sent for cremation in Castle Rock, Colorado. A memorial service honoring her life will be held at Saint Agnes Church in Mena, Arkansas on September 15th at 11:30 AM.