Elaine C. Villarreal (nee Franklin) age 79, of Lake Elmo, formerly of Little Canada, MN, our loving and beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother passed peacefully to the arms of her Lord & Savior on Sunday, June 4th, 2023.
She was born August 29, 1943, in St. Paul, MN to Henry and Cecilia Franklin. She attended St Paul Cathedral School, and graduated from Mechanic Arts High School.
Elaine’s greatest joys were her family, friends, and her Catholic faith in Jesus Christ. She loved her children fiercely. Time spent together as a family, our phone calls and ‘Alexa’ video chats (especially during COVID restrictions) filled her heart, and ours, with irreplaceable joy and memories that we will continue to cherish.
She had a wonderful sense of humor, a kind and loving heart, and an ear to lend to anyone that needed it - her door was always open, figuratively, and literally. She enjoyed bingo, polka and country music, church service and the fellowship of the friendships that she established at her senior living residences.
She is survived and will be deeply missed by her children, Salvador (Linda), Kathy (Steve) McLaughlin, Cindy; grandchildren Tony, Sean, Connor, Noah and Sharon; great-grandson, Jaxon. She is preceded in death by her husband, Salvador Sr.; and her infant son, Anthony, with whom we know she is now reunited and embracing her motherly love around.
Our heartfelt Thank You to her resident friends and staff – her extended family, and ours - at The Shores of Lake Phalen, Cardigan Ridge and Boulder Ponds, for the genuine friendships, love and care that you provided to her over the years, and for which she thrived on. Also, to the LifeSpark Hospice team, for their loving care and support during transition to her eternal home.
Love never ends; until we see you again, Mom.
In honoring her wishes, private services will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorials to Church of the Assumption, St. Paul.
