Elaine Claritaum Elizabeth Burden, 93, of Sturgeon Bay and formerly of Two Rivers and Manitowoc, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 5, 2012, at the Ministry Door County Medical Center Skilled Nursing Facility with family by her side.
She was born on November 8, 1918, the daughter of Daniel and Esther (Nocker) Blaha in Two Rivers, WI. Elaine graduated from Washington High School (now Two Rivers High School) in 1936. She studied nursing at St. Luke’s Hospital in Chicago, IL, where she met Donald Burden. Elaine and Don were united in marriage on February 1, 1942, in Clinton, IA. Don preceded her in death on January 28, 1982.
After returning home, Elaine worked for a brief time at Holy Family Hospital in Manitowoc and then for Park Lawn Nursing Home where she accepted the position as director of nursing. Elaine worked as a nurse for 13 years until her retirement. She then moved to Nevada, and even in her retirement, she found herself helping around the hospital. Elaine dedicated more than 2500 hours to volunteering in the surgical waiting room putting family and friends at ease.
She came home to her first love, Door County, after residing in Nevada for 28 years. Elaine loved spending time at the family cottage in Cabot’s Cove. She enjoyed her time at Big Hill Regency House with all of the friends she made. Elaine loved writing short stories in her Door County Writers group. She was an active participant at the Door County Senior Center. Joining St. Joseph Catholic Church in Sturgeon Bay was an extremely important event in Elaine’s life. Her caring nature caused her to be an active member in the Christ Child Society. With this group, Elaine was able to provide layettes and other necessities to less fortunate children.
Elaine wholeheartedly believed we were put on this earth to help and serve others. It was evident in how she lived her life.
Those inspired by her life of service and who will miss her include her daughter, Nancy (Robert) Schottmuller of Little Chute, WI, son, Charles; three granddaughters, Shelley (Paul) Carpenter of Muskego, WI, Sara (Klay) Heise of Hortonville, WI, Allison Schottmuller of Appleton, WI; four great-grandchildren, Donald, Steven, Elizabeth, Sydney; one sister-in-law, Gertie Blaha; four nieces, two nephews; and many other friends from over the years.
Elaine was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Donald; two brothers, Richard Blaha, Wilbur Blaha; sister, Elizabeth Brackett; one sister-in-law, June Blaha; and one brother-in-law, Fredrick Brackett.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 2:30 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Sturgeon Bay on Sunday July 15, 2012, with Fr. Robert Konkol OFM as celebrant. Family and friends may visit at the church from 1:00 p.m. until the time of services at 2:30 p.m.
Memorials may be made in her memory to the St. Joseph Catholic Church (526 Louisiana St., Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235) or to Christ Child Society (St. Joseph Catholic Church c/o Christ Child Society).
Sign online guestbook and offer condolences at http://www.huehnsfuneralhome.com/.
