Elaine Kolinski

Elaine H. Kolinski passed away peacefully February 3, 2014 at Alta Vita Memory Care Centre in Longmont, CO at the age of 89.Elaine was born on November 14, 1924 in Boone, IA to Mark and Marie (Mumm) Herrick. She graduated from Boone High School and went on to attend the University of Colorado, Boulder where she graduated in 1947 with a degree in Chemistry and English. While attending U of C she met and later married George P. Kolinski. They were married November 22, 1947 in Boone, IA. She and George celebrated sixty-six years of marriage in November of 2013. Elaine was a devoted wife and mother. They raised their family of five in Springfield, IL and later Mattoon. In Springfield, they belonged to Blessed Sacrament Parish where Elaine was a member of the PTA. She was Coles County Chairwoman for the U of I Mothers Association, belonged to Delta Theta Tau, and was a member of the ladies golf league in both Mattoon and later Longmont. Elaine and George enjoyed summer vacations visiting family and friends both near and far. Elaine was very social and she and George had an ever expanding extended family of neighbors and friends. Many were met through church, bridge, golf, and community service. After their retirement to Longmont, CO in 1988 they joined a hiking club. Getting into the high country was a joy to her as long as it wasn't too cold or too windy! Elaine also enjoyed fall trips to see the golden aspens. She was especially thrilled by their safaris to see and hear the elk bugling in Estes Park. She and George instilled in their children a love of the outdoors. Elaine was preceded in death by their daughter Gail Simonds, her parents, her brother Harlan Herrick, and sister Violet Hull.She is survived by her husband George Kolinski, children: Diane (Gregg) Rahn, Mark Kolinski, Marcia Kolinski, and Karen (Brad) Diepholz; grandchildren: Kevin Simonds stationed as an Air Force pilot in Afghanistan, Allison Ward of Rock Island, IL, Clark and Dean Diepholz of Scottsdale, AZ; great granddaughter Ashley Slaight of Rock Island, IL, son-in-law Rick (Jane) Simonds, niece Joyce (Shelly) Olsen of Wheaton, IL and many other nieces and nephews.Elaine touched a lot of lives with her beautiful smile and gentle nature. She comforted many a soul by a visit with a plate of cookies, a cup of tea, and a sit down chat. Elaine's legacy of family, love, and friendship endures through all the lives she touched.Elaine's family would like to especially thank the staff at Alta Vita Memory Care Centre and Family Hospice for all of their loving care and support.A memorial service will be held at 10:00 Am Friday February 7, 2014 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Longmont, CO. Interment to follow at Fairmount Cemetery in Denver, CO. Cremation entrusted to Ahlberg Funeral Chapel and Crematory. Memorial contributions can be made to Family Hospice Foundation or the Longmont Meals on Wheels in care of Ahlberg Funeral Chapel. Visit www.ahlbergfuenralchapel.com to share condolences.