Elaine Catherine Martinkovic House was born on March 7, 1927, to parents Stephen Martinkovic and Theresa Gannon in Plainfield NJ. She was a former resident of Warren, New Jersey until happily retiring with her husband George John House to Greensboro, NC in 1991. She passed away in the comfort of her home, January 17, 2025.
Elaine is predeceased by devoted husband of 53 years George John House (2007) and precious infant son David (1961), parents Theresa Gannon and Stephen Martinkovic, 2 older brothers, and 7 older sisters, lovingly referring to sister Anne Strayer as “my best friend”. Elaine is survived by beloved daughter Karen Anne House, several nieces and nephews, and her dearest godchild, Anne Eileen Haley.
Elaine worked as an executive secretary at Diehl and Swain’s Art Gallery in Plainfield, NJ for nearly 20 years before becoming a wonderful mother to her daughter and all her friends.
Elaine loved to travel with George and Karen throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Egypt, Morocco, Turkey, and most recently Alaska, taking photos galore and collecting artwork all beautifully displayed in her home.
After moving to Greensboro, Elaine quickly became involved in the community and the many opportunities it had to offer. She was very proud to be a 10-year volunteer at Wesley Long Community Hospital in the medical library.
Elaine was a devoted member of Saint Pius the Tenth Catholic Church, eagerly sharing her faith with family and friends. She belonged to the SPX Senior Group and Greensboro Council of Catholic Women and was a longstanding volunteer with the monthly ECHOES.
Elaine was blessed with a keen mind her entire life. She was an avid reader of books, belonging to a book club and sometimes reading a book a day. She eagerly attended Adventures in Learning at Shepherd’s Center. She loved card games, puzzles, word games, movies, bingo at church, and especially the daily Jumble and Scrabble with friends. She was a music lover of all kinds, attending Greensboro Symphony Orchestra, POPs and MUSEP concerts, Broadway shows, and theatre productions throughout the Triad.
Her other hobbies included shopping, decorating, cooking, and entertaining. She was known for sending cards and writing notes to remember everyone on holidays or to recognize their accomplishments, never forgetting a special day. Elaine loved dinners and parties with family, friends, and neighbors, and belonged to the Saint Pius “Elite” Seniors, Hospice Group, and Last Tuesday Happy Hour (you all know who you are)!
Elaine truly had “A Life Well-Lived” for almost 98 years and lived independently until the end.
She leaves us with this message:
“Many Thanks to All for making this a Fantastic Journey. It’s been Great.” Elaine
The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 PM, Thursday, January 23, 2025, at Hanes-Lineberry N. Elm Chapel with a prayer service at 7 PM. A Mass of Christian burial will be at 11 AM, Friday, January 24 at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Greensboro, NC. The family will receive friends following the service in the Simmons Center. Interment will be at 1 PM, Tuesday, January 28, in Resurrection Burial Park, Piscataway, NJ.
In lieu of flowers donations in Elaine’s memory may be made to the American Heart Association. Online condolences may be offered at www.haneslineberryfhnorthelm.com.
