1938 in McCook, Nebraska, to the union of Harold and Fae Kennedy. She is survived by children Dona
Zavislan, Mike (Randi) Zavislan, and Judy (Steve Ames) Zavislan; grandchildren Michelle (Steven)
Moreland, Claire (David Teehee) Zavislan, Melissa (Bubba) Mazzola and Sam Zavislan-Pullaro; and her
brothers James (Reveille) Kennedy and John Kennedy. Elaine was preceded in death by her devoted
husband of 50 years, Don Zavislan. Elaine enjoyed growing up in Pueblo, Colorado with her beloved brothers. An avid reader, Elaine also enjoyed dance, cheerleading and music activities. She graduated from Pueblo Catholic High School. With dreams of traveling, Elaine became a glamorous airline stewardess with PanAm Airlines. She loved to tell stories about her experiences which included meeting Paul Harvey. In 1958, Elaine met her future husband Don. They were married on December 27, 1958 and had three children who became the center of Elaine’s life. In a recent conversation, Elaine reflected on how much she enjoyed her life as a wife and mother, commenting about how proud she was of her family and grateful to have experienced what she characterized as the American Dream. In addition to raising three children and ensuring they had religious education, and opportunities to participate in school activities, sports, 4-H and music, etc., Elaine was the office manager for the family business, Zavislan Livestock Commission Company. In many ways the business was a 24/7 operation and Elaine made sure she was ready each day to greet and assist business associates, employees, customers and those who stopped by in need. While not raised with a rodeo background, Elaine supported the Zavislan family during many years of rodeo life which included managing an arena where 4-H and saddle clubs held events, and traveling to rodeos throughout Colorado and the surrounding area. At times, things were incredibly busy and Elaine was the organized, calm presence juggling the family activities while maintaining a loving home. No wonder all of the clocks in the house were set 10 minutes ahead. For most of her adult life, Elaine was a devoted member of her beloved bridge club. After the sale barn was sold, Elaine entered the workforce, first selling advertising for a print publication followed by positions with the Sangre de Cristo Arts and Conference Center and the Pueblo Zoo. She learned to golf, kept active with Pueblo Dancercise, and gave back to the community through involvement with the Newcomers Club of Pueblo. Elaine was a voracious reader with a stack of books at the ready through her final days on Earth. She loved music and dancing. Memories of dancing with her husband, Don, and following their favorite band would always bring a huge smile. Elaine loved to travel. A highlight of her life was a trip to Italy with her sister-in-law Reveille. Elaine and Don enjoyed many travels. In the early days, trips seemed to always include a horse or stock trailer. In later years, Elaine and Don enjoyed many fabulous trips to Mexico. The family offers a special thank you to the wonderful staff at Spanish Peaks Regional Health Center where Elaine lived for the last 20 months of her life. She often commented about the care she received and would say, “You know you are in a good place when the staff is caring and you hear laughter in the hallways.” Elaine will be missed by her family and many friends. She loved telling stories. She is remembered for her sweet, selfless nature. She wasn’t one for going on about her self, but her actions spoke loudly of what she loved, her dreams, and her grace and dignity. The family will host a celebration of Elaine’s life on June 15, 2024 in Pueblo West. Please contact a member of the family for information.
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