Elaine Marie Romanowsky

Born in Burbank, Elaine, the second of four children, was preceded in death by her parents, Eugene and Ellen Schaefer, and her beloved husband, Michael Romanowsky. She is survived by her children: son Shawn, daughters Bonnie (Kristopher) Nazor, Hannah, and Tatiana; sister Maureen Schaefer; brothers Paul and Eric Schaefer; brothers-in-law Boris, Peter, Roman, and Sergei Romanowsky; sisters-in-law Lena Romanowsky and Natasha Bookout; aunt Maire Anderson (Monrovia, CA), and uncle John Gilbert (Mass), and many other relatives and friends. Elaine attended Blythe Street Elementary School, Sutter Junior High, Cleveland and Reseda High Schools, Piercer Junior College, and UCLA, where she obtained a bachelor's of arts degree in English. Elaine had several careers including homemaker and mother, working for the State of California, an English tutor at College of the Canyons (COC) in Valencia, CA, and working in property management. Known for her kindness, generosity, and sense of humor, Elaine loved her family, was proud of her children, and was a true friend to many. She enjoyed gardening, spending time outdoors, art, animals (particularly cats), and, since childhood, found homes for abandoned pets. She loved literature, poetry, and writing. While at UCLA and COC, she wrote poems, some of which were featured in readings on campus. During her teens, Elaine became interested in motorcycle riding with her future husband, Michael, and she rekindled that interest with the purchase of a Harley Davidson after Michael's death. She enjoyed riding to the beach or going on road trips with friends, including a trip through California to Oregon. Elaine had a fondness for flowers, namely roses and morning glories. Her favorite movie was “Trains, Planes and Automobiles." She loved Celine Dion's "My Heart Will Go On," the theme song from "Titanic." Her favorites also included the band Heart, the book "All Things Bright and Beautiful," and "The Blue and the Gray," a poem by Francis Miles Finch. Flowers may be sent to Mission Hills Catholic Mortuary Chapel no later than 11 a.m. on Saturday, or, in lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in honor of Elaine Romanowsky to easterseals.com or aspca.org.