Elaine Elinor Smith, born Sept. 28, 1920, passed away peacefully at home on March 11, 2012, in Coupeville. She was preceded in death by her much beloved husband, William Harold Smith and her sister, Wanda Mackey.

She is survived by her sisters, Ann Blackburn-McCarty, Norma Auttonberry and Betty J. Lopez; by her daughter, Liz (Elizabeth) Krause (Tim) of Coupeville; her granddaughters, Dawna Nolan of Los Angeles, Kathy Vinole (Frank) of Murrieta, and Kelly Bullington (Andy) of Oak Harbor; her grandsons, William Ruh of San Diego and John Krause (Kirsten) of Concord. She is also survived by her great grandchildren, Quinnton “Twinkle-Eyes” Wallace, Jeremy, Emily and Carson Vinole, and Coleman and Scarlett Krause, as well as her beloved cousin and lifelong friend, Betty Georgette Bird.

Though she had only one daughter, Elaine tended to “adopt” others, and there are many men and women, such as K.C. Mitchell and Jimmy Hinkle, who think of her as a second mother or grandmother. She was an active member of Point Loma United Methodist Church for more than 40 years and served her church family and community, as well as the rest of her family with equal parts kindness, generosity, wisdom and orneriness.

After moving to Whidbey Island at age 89, Elaine joined the Coupeville United Methodist Church. She particularly enjoyed the friends she made in the church’s Monday morning sewing group. The things that made her happiest in her new home were the abundant deer, birds and other wildlife. They became her “charity of choice.” Her wish was that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made so that her charity could continue. Checks may be made payable to Skagit Farmer’s Supply and mailed in care of Liz and Tim Krause at 377 Gramayre Rd., Coupeville, WA 98239.

The world is a far better place for her having lived, and she will be missed more than she would ever dream. Services were held in San Diego on March 16. Another will be held at the Coupeville United Methodist Church on Monday, March 19 at 12:30 p.m.