Elaine Donaldson Rinella

On February 24, 2011, Elaine Donaldson Rinella passed away surrounded by her family. She is survived by her husband, F. Donald Rinella of Roseville, CA; her son, Randall P. Donaldson and his wife Meredith, of Baltimore, MD; her son, Michael R. Donaldson and his wife Pamela, of London, OH, and her daughter, Shelley D. Lafler and husband John, of Olympia, WA. Surviving grandchildren include Brooke D. DiLauro of Fredericksburg, VA; Paige D. Zappile of Somers Point, NJ; Justin M. Donaldson of Roseville, CA; Christopher L. Donaldson of La Jolla, CA; Katharine E. Donaldson of Roseville, CA; Toren Lafler of Alameda, CA and Erin L. McCorry of Brooklyn, NY.

In the mid-90’s Elaine met F. Donald Rinella at an investment seminar. Both embarked on yet another romantic journey and celebration of life. In 1997, Elaine and Don were married in their local church joined by friends and family. Thirteen years of marital bliss followed which included travels to foreign countries, visits to friends and family, and the joy of seeing grandchildren grow and blossom. Don and Elaine have spent the past few years at Mistywood Senior Living in Roseville, CA, making friends, enjoying community activities, and sharing in the diverse stories and wealth of experiences of all the residents.

Elaine’s passing marks the final chapter in the life of a pioneer with a passion for community service. Elaine was the first woman school board member and board president in Covina, CA, and the first woman city council member and mayor of Covina. In 1986, after closing down the family business which she started with her first husband, Raymond L. Donaldson, Elaine began a new career of service at age 60. Moving to Loomis, CA, she accepted Governor George Deukmejian’s appointment as chair of the California Occupational Safety and Health Appeals Board—another first for a woman. In Loomis, Ray and Elaine flourished, as Ray managed “the ranch,” tending the horses and garden and Elaine worked to shrink a backlog of cases. Amidst the blessings was Ray’s struggle with cancer. He passed in 1992.

Despite the loss, with renewed courage and determination Elaine focused her attention and continued to lead the board for several more years. After a dozen successful years at the helm Elaine retired from the board in good health and high spirits to enthusiastically embrace the next phase of her life. When reminded of her many professional accomplishments Elaine was always quick to respond that her children were her most prized achievement and that family was at the center of her life.

Friends will gather to celebrate Elaine’s life with a memorial service at Pleasant Grove Community Church, 1730 Pleasant Grove Blvd., Roseville, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 12, 2011. In lieu of flowers, Elaine requested that contributions be made in her honor to either the Partners in Outreach Foundation of the Roseville First Presbyterian Church or the Sutter Roseville Medical Center Foundation.