Elva Mary Brainerd

Elva Mary (Lund) Brainerd, 92, a longtime Naples and Bonita Springs, FL resident passed away peacefully in the morning of February 3, 2021, in her home after a recent steep decline resulting from Dementia and the loss of her dear husband, Harold three months earlier. Elva Mary married Harold Eugene Brainerd on November 9, 1946, in Ladysmith, WI. They enjoyed 74 years of marriage. She was the beloved mother of Linda Jeanne Watts, Dennis Harold Brainerd (Diana) and Dorene Patricia Pierceall.

Elva Mary was born on October 22, 1928, in Ladysmith, WI, the sixth daughter of the late Bernt Lund (1884-1971) and Viva (Bollman) Lund (1896-1977). She is preceded in death by sisters Evelyn (1918-2005), Nila (1920-2012), Laura Ann (1924-2004), Emma Jeanne (1926-2014), Bulah Mae (1927-2013), and Lyril (1932-2014) and brothers Leo (1921-2011), Albert (1923-1997), Robert (1930-2011) and Kenneth (1937-2013), as well as granddaughter Valerie Schindler (1972-2009).

Elva leaves treasured memories with her three children, and grandchildren Barclay Schindler (Casie), Shannon Brainerd, Aimee Brainerd, Damon Scott (Jill), Jared Scott (Petri), Justin Scott, and Derek Scott. Great Grandchildren include Brady Schindler, Charlie Schindler, Justin Keller, Lexie Keller, Julia Scott, Isabella Scott, Odin Scott, and Orion Scott.

She graduated from Ladysmith High School in Ladysmith Wisconsin in 1945 at the age of 16. After graduation she moved to Winnetka, Illinois. Then after marriage Elva Mary and Harold settled in Northbrook, Illinois where they raised their family. She was enormously proud of her children and their families.

Elva was a homemaker when her children were young. She enjoyed modeling and participating in some stage musicals. She was an avid bowler. She had a heart of gold. Elva was always there to listen and support her friends and family. She worked in the family business for many years and enjoyed working in the travel world for some years. She was able to do some world traveling in her later years, which included a visit to her father’s home country, Norway.

Elva and Harold retired to Naples, Florida and then eventually Bonita Springs, Florida. Elva’s nickname growing up was “Sunshine,” so Florida was perfect for her. Sunshine was a perfect fit for her beautiful, caring, uplifting personality. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Services for Elva Mary and her beloved husband will be held in Naples, FL in a private Burial at Sea ceremony on November 9th, 2021, at 10 AM. Followed by a Celebration of Life at their daughter Dorene’s home in Naples at 4-6pm. For information on the Celebration contact Dorene at (239) 331-1124. November 9th would have been their 75th wedding anniversary.