Elena Marie Bainbridge died at her home on Oak Harbor on Sept. 5, 2009, at the age of 58. She was born Feb. 11, 1951, in Los Angeles to Mick and Marie Ellen (Hurt) Rodriguez, Jr. She attended school in Norwalk, Calif., where she was a member of the Drill Team and Flag Twirlers. She graduated from Excelsior High School in 1969 and then attended Cerritos Junior College for two years.
Elena was married to Maynard B. “Bud” Bainbridge in Bellflower, Calif., on Aug. 12, 1972. While living in California, Elena delivered son Nick at home.
Elena and Bud moved to Oak Harbor in 1981. She worked for Oak Harbor Bank, Olympic Bank, Pacific Northwest Savings Bank, Key Bank and First Interstate Bank. She left banking and began working for Waldron Construction, setting up their office. She stayed with Waldron’s until her health failed.
Elena enjoyed quilting, reading, gardening, camping, shopping and organizing. Her family was her first love.
Elena is a longtime member of the Oak Harbor Soroptimist Club, serving two terms as treasurer, first vice president and finally, as president in 2000-2001. She was also a member of the Whidbey Island Quilter’s Guild and the Ebey Quilters. She also served as a member of the board of directors for Toddler Learning Center for over 15 years. For a time, she was also a member of the Business and Professional Women’s Association.
Elena is survived by her husband, Bud; two sons, Matthew Micheal Bainbridge, and Nicholas Allen Bainbridge and wife Robyn and one grandson Zander, all of Oak Harbor; her father, Mike Rodriguez and wife Marty of Oak Harbor; one sister, Lydia Ferguson and husband Jim of Oak Harbor; and brother Micheal L. Rodriguez of California.
Memorial services for Elena were held Thursday at the First United Methodist Church, Oak Harbor with Pastor David Lura officiating. Private family graveside services were held at Maple Leaf Cemetery, Oak Harbor.
The family has requested all remembrances be made to Toddler Learning Center in Elena’s name. Friends may sign the online guest book at burleyfuneralchapel.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor.
