Elaine McClaren Passes Away
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Elaine McClaren (nee McLaughlin) passed away at her beloved beach home in Cedar Grove, Wis., July 10, 2012 of an unknown type of cancer. McClaren was born July 2, 1954 in Waupaca, Wis. to Dolores and Bernard McLaughlin. She grew up in Crystal Lake, Ill., received her Bachelor’s Degree from Loyola University and later built lives in Hinsdale, Ill, Washington Island, Wis. and in Cedar Grove, Wis. She is survived by her husband of 29 years, Bruce McClaren, their children, Lisa (Mrs. Aaron Cornell) and Brian, and by their siblings Kaye (Mrs. Jeff Becker) and John McClaren. Lisa McClaren, long time customer of Country Meadow Farm has owned and shown several world’s and national champion Saddlebreds including CH Chandler and Super Rooster.
She is also survived by her brothers and sisters: Cathy Dunphy, Diana Vodnansky, Dan McLaughlin, Jim McLaughlin, sister-in-law Pat and her nieces and nephews Jason Vodnansky, Mark Vodnansky, Patrick Dunphy, Matt (Denise) Dunphy, Jane (Mrs. Andy Kayser), Sarah (Mrs. Mark Halvorson), Kyle (Ashley) McLaughlin, and Danielle McLaughlin.
McClaren was involved with many projects including chimney logs, political activism and homemade Christmas presents. Her beautifully themed dinners, summer competitions on the Island, generous gifts and private pep talks masquerading as conversation were a vital part of who she was. She organized and accessorized great parties, houses and gardens, making each more eccentric and stunning than the last.
Her interests and hobbies were many and varied. From riding an Olympic bobsled, climbing the Sydney Harbor Bridge in Australia, becoming a Search and Rescue K-9 trainer to perfecting her handgun skills. Her first trip abroad was to Africa when she was 17 and again when daughter Lisa competed in World Cup competition.
McClaren’s passion for politics, The Constitution in particular, is well documented. Accordingly, in lieu of flowers, she asked for contributions in her name to be sent to www.freedomworksforamerica.org/contribute, https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org or to the Crystal Lake Food Pantry at 257 King Street, Crystal Lake, IL 60014.
The family would like to thank everyone for all of their cards, kind thoughts, beautiful prayers, unending support and unwavering love. A Remembrance Service was held at Adolf Funeral in Willowbrook, Ill., July 13, 2012.
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