Elaine Jean Kelly

Kelly, Elaine Jean 84 May 28, 1927 March 03, 2012 Elaine was born in her family home on Pete's Mountain, Oregon City in 1927. During the war, Elaine did her part for the war effort as "Rosie the Riveter," including posing for a pinup photo for troops overseas. She later went on to become "Queen Elaine" in 1945 as Oregon City's representative to the Rose Festival. Elaine worked in the restaurant business for most of her career and managed several restaurants, the last being Rose's in Portland. Elaine also volunteered in the gift shop at the Milwaukie Center, Clackamas County. Elaine was always proud that she was able, as a single mother, to ensure that each of her children graduated college. Her hobbies included growing vegetables, cooking, reading, gardening, cribbage, traveling and not least of all, collecting snails of all types, a hobby which arose from being nicknamed "Snail" by her children as a result of her overly cautious driving demeanor. Most of all, Elaine loved spending time on the Oregon Coast with family. She rarely returned home without makings for fresh clam chowder. Elaine will be remembered for her sense of humor and for never missing a chance to don a costume on any occasion possible. Elaine is survived by her four children, Michael, Patrick, Laura and Tammy; her sisters, Rose, Marge and Shirley; and her grandchildren, Kurt, Stephanie, Morgan, Evan, Kyle, Trenton, Cody, Patrick and Olivia; and her great-grandson, Malakai. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the animal rescue nonprofit organization started by Elaine's daughter, Laura: The Roscoe Fund, 2320 E. Dowling Road, Anchorage, AK 99507. Elaine will be missed greatly by all.