Elayne was a spirited, curious child who loved to play with her 3 siblings and friends on their farm-like property. She enjoyed years of dance lessons and recitals. As a teenager she was a friendly, popular class favorite at El Monte High School. She remained in contact with several school friends throughout her lifetime, attending high school reunions and lunches.
In 1956 Elayne met Carlos Michael Doran (Mike) on her childhood home’s front lawn where she married him 7 months later. They made a home in the Bakersfield area where she supported Mike in his agricultural career. They welcomed three daughters in 1957, 1958 and 1960 and Elayne became a stay-at-home mom.
In 1962 they moved to Brawley, CA to expand Mike’s career in agriculture. She was the quintessential farmer’s wife, rising well before him and last to bed. Elayne volunteered at the girls’ school, 4H and drove assorted kids to sporting events and science fairs. She was “the fun mom” and envy of many of the girls’ friends.
Later in life Elayne obtained her Real Estate license. She loved working outside the home in her new career while Mike continued large scale farming. She & Mike also traveled extensively throughout the US in their RV. At one point they sold their home and, for 5 years, lived the nomadic RV lifestyle.
They owned and ran Brawley Public Scale. Elayne was the backbone of that business, handling all aspects except schmoozing, which was clearly Mike’s interest. In 2018 the business sold and Elayne & Mike moved to San Diego full time. Sadly, Mike passed away a few months later.
Elayne & Mike did everything together. She was a devoted wife who supported his hobbies and interests. After Mike passed, this continued in her other relationships.
Elayne blossomed as a widow. She redecorated her home from top to bottom, traveled, participated in many social activities with family and friends and was always a willing participant for planned and unplanned spontaneous fun. Elayne was a good sport no matter what the activity.
She was also a supportive cheerleader. Her thoughtful, generous and easygoing demeanor was combined with patience and a noncomplaining nature. Elayne endeavored to bring people together, to never give up on family or friends, to stay positive and to purposely move forward in times of adversity. Elayne was a quietly strong woman who faced challenges with gracious dignity and a sense of humor.
We are blessed with Elayne’s examples and legacy of the importance of family, her work ethic and moral compass. Elayne’s ability to put the needs of her family before her own was inspiring.
She knew that relationships, like the plants Mike grew while farming, took effort to grow and maintain. Elayne was always willing to put in the effort, thus reaping the rewards of each and every one. Her frequent and positive expressions of gratitude, appreciation, compassion and acceptance were hallmarks of her soul. She will be deeply missed by everyone whose lives she touched.
Elayne is preceded in death by her husband (Mike), brother (Harvey) and grandson (David). She is survived by daughters Juanita Pappert (Stephen), Laurette Hoagland (Bob), Susan Koon (Paul), 6 grandchildren (Alissa, Dyani, Daniel, Shawna, Julianne & Lauren) and 6 great-grandchildren (Hadley, Leighton, Hunter, Trent, Olive & Holden).
