Elaine Diane Schwarzkopf, née Barulich

Recently, the world lost a beautiful and beloved wife, mother, sister, and friend. Elaine always radiated love, and truly had a “zest for life,” as she would say. She brought light, warmth, elegance, grace and compassion to the many lives she touched. Her beauty was all-embracing, outwardly and inwardly. She glowed with a smile that was contagious, and had eyes that sparkled with joy. She was a positive force and inspiration to everyone who knew her.

Elaine was born to John C. and Marion Barulich in San Francisco, California. She grew up in the picturesque town of San Carlos on the San Francisco Peninsula. During that time, she attended Notre Dame in nearby Belmont, as both a day student and a boarder in the elementary and high school. The Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur educated and influenced her in many good ways, but most especially with a deep devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Blessed Mother Mary, which remained with her always.

Elaine wanted to be a wonderful wife and mother more than anything else in life. She pursued these goals with unconditional love and true devotion. She was there for her family at every turn, often placing her family’s wellbeing before her own needs. Among other accomplishments was her career as a successful executive assistant with an impressive range of duties outside her title’s usual skill set. Elaine had an amazing talent for planning, organization, and detail which she used to her advantage in her job and at home. A favorite pastime was cooking for her family and friends. Elaine expressed her nurturing love through making home-cooked meals. She brought old family traditions and her own skilled creativity to the table, which helped us all share her memories of days gone by and connect with each other. No one could be more generous in thought, word, and deed than Elaine. She would work tirelessly for those she cared about.

Elaine’s sense of fun and exuberant nature led her to develop a love of dancing, especially ballroom and social dances. As a surprise gift from her parents for high school graduation, she was given a trip to Hawaii where she became enamored with the Polynesian culture. She enthusiastically learned the Hula and Tahitian dances, and continued until she was accomplished at both. Two of Elaine’s cherished dreams came true when she and her husband moved to Kauai, and later sailed to Tahiti and other South Pacific islands on vacation. Later in life, her desire was to be close to her daughter and son-in-law in Dallas, Texas. Elaine gave so much of herself to others, she surely was deserving of having her own hopes fulfilled.

Elaine is survived by her husband, two daughters, brother, and close friends. Her final wishes have been coordinated through Calvary Hill Funeral Home in Dallas, Texas. Her remains will be interred (at a later date) at Holy Cross Cemetery in Colma, California, reuniting Elaine with her parents.

We will be honoring Elaine by way of virtual or in-person memorial. Details to come. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation in her name, Elaine Schwarzkopf, to these organizations that she personally supported:

• Corpus Christi Monastery, 215 Oak Grove Ave, Menlo Park, CA, 94025, care of Sister Maria Christine Bettlow O.P. or visit https://www.dominicanajournal.org

• St. Labre Indian School, Ashland, MT, 59004, care of Curtis Yarlott or visit https://www.stlabre.org

• Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist, 4597 Warren Rd, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105 or visit https://www.sistersofmary.org