Obituary of Elaine Marie Antoinette Barolak

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Elaine Barolak (nee Beneteau) who peacefully passed away surrounded by her family at the age of 82. Elaine was a devoted mother, mémé, great grandmother, teacher, nurse, and passionate lover of music. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Elaine was predeceased by her parents, Lawrence and Agnes Beneteau (nee Rivest), and her brother, Bernard. She is survived by her beloved children, Gisele, Melanie, Vanessa, Heather (Scott), and Justin. She was a proud and loving grandmother to Amanda, Ashley, Calvin, Curtis, Geneva, and Tristan, and great grandmother to Aspen. Elaine is also survived by her siblings, Shirley, Larry, Michelle, and sister in law Mary-Lou along with many nieces and nephews who held a special place in her heart.

A lifelong learner, Elaine was deeply passionate about education, continuously expanding her knowledge. She took great pride in her French heritage and made sure she passed that on to her children.  She earned multiple degrees, including a Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, Master of Education, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She was also a devout catholic and her faith guided her through life. Throughout her career, she dedicated herself to both teaching and nursing, and worked in continuing education at the University of Windsor, guiding others, leaving a lasting impact on countless lives. 

In her free time, she enjoyed learning Spanish, watching Jeopardy!, and embracing opportunities for personal growth. She also spent many winters at her condo in Punta Gorda Florida, where she continued to live an active and fulfilling life enjoying tennis and the beautiful Florida sun. Elaine's love for music was a cornerstone of her life. She played the organ for many years at St. Simon's & St.Jude also played many weddings funerals and celebrations at various churches, sharing her musical talent with the community. She also taught piano to numerous students, passing on her passion for music to future generations. An avid tennis fan, Elaine found great joy in the sport. She treasured the companionship of her beloved dogs, Denver, Roddick, and Sasha, who brought her endless happiness.  Above all, her greatest joy in life was caring for her five children who were the center of her world and the source of her love and pride.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Nancy for her years of devoted care and unwavering love. More recently, they would also like to express their gratitude to Tina and all the staff, nurses, and PSWs at Brouillette Manor for their care and compassion.

Elaine’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved her, and she will be deeply missed but we know that we will be reunited one day in heaven. 

Visitation will take place at Windsor Chapel Banwell Chapel, 11677 Tecumseh Rd. in Windsor on Thursday February 6, 2025 from 2:00pm until 5:00pm and 7:00pm until 9:00pm with parish prayers held at 7:00pm.  A funeral mass will be held on Friday February 7 at St. Anne's Parish in Tecumseh at 1:30pm with an interment to follow at St. Anne's Cemetery. Donations made in memory of Elaine to the VON Day Program would be appreciated.

"Death is not an ending, but a symbol of movement along the path upon which we are all travelling. As it may be painful to lose contact with the physical aspect of the one we love, the Spirit can never be lost. We have been and always will be part of each other".
                                                  -John Denver