1939 - 2026
Born March 23, 1939, in Buffalo, New York, Elaine was the daughter of the late Marvin and Anna Klein. She graduated from Bishop Quigley High School in Buffalo and later earned a certificate as a registered medical secretary. She worked at Sisters of Charity Hospital, where she met Richard, who would become her husband. The couple married May 16, 1959, following a courtship that began after they met at the hospital.
Elaine and Richard shared 66 years together and lived in several communities during their marriage, including Bethesda, Detroit, Wellesley, Syracuse, Mobile, and Worcester. They also maintained a longtime home on Cape Cod for 50 years. They traveled extensively together, visiting countries throughout Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America, and Elaine enjoyed experiencing the cultures and meeting people along the way.
Elaine was a devoted Catholic whose faith was an important part of her life. She was involved with several charitable organizations, including serving as president of the Deafness Research Foundation and participating in the Mass Eye and Ear Ladies Auxiliary and the Charles River Workshop.
Family and friends were central to Elaine’s life. She enjoyed hosting gatherings, organizing events, gardening, cooking, and spending time with her children and grandchildren. She was also a longtime fan of the University of Notre Dame and attended games and events with her family, including her husband’s 70th class reunion in 2022. She also loved dogs and had eight throughout her marriage, with miniature German Schnauzers among her favorites.
Elaine is survived by her sister, Susan Camillo; her children, Mary J. Carroll and her husband, Donal, of Brighton; Dr. Mark R. Gacek and his wife, Pamela, of Mobile, Alabama; Richard R. Gacek Jr. and his partner, Doug Hudak, of New Hope, Pennsylvania; and Catherine A. DeVoe and her husband, David, of Westport, Connecticut.
She also leaves her grandchildren, Michael Gacek, Marissa Sellers and her husband, Todd, Peter Gacek and his wife, Kaitlin, Mark Gacek Jr., Elena DeVoe, Sydney DeVoe and her husband, Connor Griffin, and Paige DeVoe.
Elaine was predeceased by her husband, Richard; her sister, Sister Mary J. Klein; her brother, Marvin Klein; and her granddaughter, Cassandra Gacek.
Visiting hours will be held Tuesday, November 17th from 5 to 7 PM at the Chapman Funerals & Cremation in Harwich. A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, November 18th at 11 AM at the Holy Trinity Church, located at 246 Main Street in West Harwich. Burial will follow in Holy Trinity Cemetery in Harwich.
Memorial donations may be made to Notre Dame Health Care Center, located at 555 Plantation Street in Worcester.
