Elaine W. Harris

Born in Jamestown, NY to Ted and Sally Wistran on April 19, 1944, Elaine grew up surrounded by almost all of the members of both sides of her family. This proximity provided love and support during her childhood, but even more importantly, showed her how important family was. This was a core belief for her during her entire life and one that she instilled in her children and grandchildren.

After graduating from Jamestown High School, she left there to study nursing at Millard Fillmore Hospital in Buffalo. She found her calling in that profession and went on to devote her life to caring for others. While in Buffalo, a mutual friend set her up on a blind date with Tom Harris. They fell in love and began their life together. They moved to East Aurora and became part of community that they both loved.

One important interest that Tom shared with her was his love of the outdoors. They bought a pop-up camper and traveled to many places in the northeast with their young family. That love of camping continued after the two of them became empty nesters. They bought a larger travel trailer and loved being able to go many places and discover parts of the country they hadn’t yet seen. Eventually they wanted to set down roots with their trailer and they found another community to love in Bliss, NY.

They bought a lot at Faun Lake and spent many happy years there with friends and with their grandchildren. It was truly their second home and they found another community to be a part of. Elaine loved the peace and quiet of the place. She loved to read, go to the pool, sit around the campfire, but most of all, she loved having her family there.

Elaine worked in a variety of healthcare facilities—Millard Fillmore (Gates Circle), the nursing home in East Aurora, several private practices and her most challenging position as the head nurse of the Methadone Clinic at Sister’s Hospital. She was a dedicated and caring practitioner in all of those settings. Patients and doctors trusted her and admired the kindness and skill that she brought with her every day.

She was pre-deceased by her beloved husband, Thomas Harris, her sister Diane (late Art) Shanos, and her brother, Daniel (Julia) Wistran. She leaves behind her children, Kimberly (Sean) McAtee, Christopher (Kristin) Harris, and Daniel (Lisa) Harris; her grandchildren, Ethan McAtee, Sarah McAtee, Katie (Chris) Mauro, Michael Harris, and Quinn Harris.

She will be remembered fondly and missed greatly by all who were lucky enough to know her. Those who would like to honor her life are encouraged to make donations to the Aurora Town Public Library or to Nativity Lutheran Church in East Aurora.

Visitation will be held at Wood Funeral Home, 784 Main Street, East Aurora, NY on Friday, January 23, 2026, from 3 - 7:30 pm. A funeral service will be celebrated at Nativity Lutheran Church, 970 E Main St, East Aurora, NY on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 11 am. Please assemble at church.