Elaine Winifred Alexander

July 11, 1926 to February 27, 2017

Elaine Alexander, 90, of Peabody, MA, passed away on February 27, in Beverly, MA. She was born in Chelsea on July 11, 1926, to Inez (McAuly) Blue and was raised in Revere. It was there she met the love of her life, Carmen Alexander, to whom she was married for more than 70 years.

Elaine was the strong core of a family she loved dearly. She raised four children in Swampscott and then Lynn: Charlene (Frank) Savard, of Peabody; Joyce Reid, of Mooresville, NC; Steven, of Melrose; and Lori (Deb Whippen), of No. Ft. Myers, FL. Her love soon extended to her grandchildren, Steven M. Alexander, Julie (Steve) Petrosillo, Eric Savard, Andrew (Katy) Savard, and Shannon (Erick) Reid-DeMarco, and to her four great-grandsons, Aiden and Anthony DeMarco and Jacob and Nicholas Petrosillo, who always brought her great joy. She also leaves behind nieces and nephews and cherished friends-turned-family. She joins in heaven her grandson, Eric Savard, of Peabody, and her brother, Chester (Lorraine) Blue, of Rochester, NY and her son-in-law, Robert Reid of Medford.

Elaine had a strong work ethic and was employed at Lynn and Union hospitals for more than 30 years. She loved spending summers in Maine, eventually moving there for 10 years. She returned to Peabody to be closer to her family. She loved to knit, outfitting her family in hats, mittens, scarves, and afghans. Her favorite projects were baby afghans for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also enjoyed cooking (her eggplant parm was legendary in the family), word games, and playing the piano. She was devoted to her pets and was a strong supporter of animal welfare associations. She was also delighted by babies and young children, and opened her heart and home to caring for foster children and donating to a variety of children’s organizations. Her smile, wit, and turns of phrases were enjoyed by all. Her generosity of spirit shone through with her thoughtfully chosen cards for family and friends, and her children fondly remember her birthday calls, when she would sing “Happy Birthday” to them first thing in the morning of their special day.

Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children Hospital. Arrangements under the care of Cuffe-McGinn Funeral Home, 157 Maple St. LYNN.