In Memory
Elaine Rae (McDorman) Smith
August 5, 1940 ~ May 5, 2024 (age 83)
Born 8/5/1940 to Hugh and Esther (Miller) McDorman in Dayton, Ohio, Elaine was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Leroy Smith, brother, Paul McDorman, and daughter-in-law, Christina Smith. Elaine was a devoted wife, loving mother, caring friend, and pillar of the church. In 1957, Elaine’s family moved to South Bend, Indiana when her father, Hugh, accepted a job offer and Elaine enrolled at James Whitcomb Riley High School.
After graduating from James Whitcomb Riley High School in 1958, Elaine attended the University of Cincinnati, School of Home Economics, where she majored in Textiles and Merchandising. Elaine was able to apply the skills she learned in college while working for Gibson Greeting Cards and Christian Center Church in South Bend.
While at University, Elaine maintained correspondence with a young man she met during her senior year at Riley (Robert Smith) who was serving in the Navy. Elaine was finished with college and married Robert, on 7/15/1961.
Elaine shared her love for sewing, baking, and canning with her friends and family. She taught many people how to can fruits and vegetables. While she shared her canning knowledge and expertise with her friends and family, no one else had the knack for replicating her specialties like her famous cherries, pears, or family favorite, sweet and sour cabbage. When Elaine was not busy crafting or hosting parties, she enjoyed going to garage sales with her family.
Elaine touched many lives over the years at church through her various roles. She served as a Sunday School teacher, worked in the accounting office, and was a prayer warrior.
Elaine is survived by her loving children, Douglas Smith and Beth (Glen) Carpenter; and grandchildren: David, Stephen (Amy), Linda, Lucas, Lawrence, Abigail and Samuel. Elaine was also blessed with great-grandchildren: Ella, Cole and Joey.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2024 from 3-5pm with a service at 5pm at St Joseph Funeral Home, 824 S Mayflower Dr., South Bend, IN 46619. Private burial will be held at a later time. In lieu of flowers, you may donate to Feeding the Nations, a division of Provident Ministries at Christ Chapel Church in South Bend. Online condolences can be made at sjfh.net
Posted online on May 09, 2024
Published in South Bend Tribune
05/09/2024 EJS
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