Elaine Masako Iba

January 21, 1961 - August 20, 2011

Extraordinary wife, daughter, sister, aunt and friend passed away after a brief battle with lung cancer. Born in Downey, CA, Elaine spent her adult life in Mission Viejo/Trabuco Canyon area. An electrical engineer employed by Raytheon in Fullerton, her passion was pursuing athletic endeavors. She competed in USA Bobsled Team Trials and America's Cup races, competed in the U.S. and Europe with the USA Skeleton Team, competed on the Masters Track & Field circuit, played women's basketball, was an avid saltwater fisherman, and played Women's Professional Tackle Football, concluding her career as a captain and quarterback for the Southern California Breakers. Along the way Elaine made many life-long friends. There is not a moment when she will not be remembered and missed by those whose lives she touched. Elaine is survived by her husband of 19 years, Randy Messenger, mother June, step-mother Margaret, sisters Nadine, Diane, Lynn, brother Wayne, step-sister Mylene, and many adoring nieces and nephews. Memorial service to be held Sept. 1 at 11:00 a.m., Orange County Buddhist Church, 909 South Dale Ave., Anaheim, CA 92804. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Elaine's name to Lung Cancer Alliance, LUNGevity Foundation, or your favorite charity

Arrangements under the direction of Pacific View Memorial Park and Mortuary FD1176, Corona Del Mar, CA.

Published in the Los Angeles Times from August 26 to August 28, 2011

Published in Orange County Register from August 26 to August 27, 2011