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Sheldon-Kukuchka Funeral Home - Tunkhannock

73 West Tioga Street

Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania

Elaine Lee Obituary

Elaine P. Lee, 47, of Tunkhannock, passed away peacefully on April 10, 2014, surrounded by her family.

Elaine is survived by her husband, John F. Lee, with whom she recently celebrated her 21st wedding anniversary.

She was born Oct. 10, 1966, in Ridley Park, Pa., daughter of the late Joseph and Eileen (Flanagan) Lawville.

Elaine graduated from College Misericordia with a bachelor's degree in social work and from Marywood University with a master's degree in social work. She worked for the past 20 years in various capacities in the field of social work. For 10 years, she protected abused and neglected children while she worked for Children and Youth Services in Wilkes-Barre. After her marriage, she worked out of the Tunkhannock office of Catholic Social Services, where she set up and secured adoptions for a number of families in the Wyoming County area. Her last and most rewarding position was as director of Interfaith Friends of Wyoming County, where she provided services for many people who needed help. Her lifelong passion was helping others and especially protecting children.

Elaine was a member of the Tunkhannock United Methodist Church, where she was a Sunday school teacher for several years. She was also active in the local PTO and the Junior Women's Club.

Her greatest love and devotion was to her family, and she thoroughly enjoyed supporting her children in all of their endeavors. She loved large family gatherings and celebrated life with gusto. Her keen sense of humor provided strength to her and to everyone around her right up to the end of her battle with cancer. In fact, she was a source of strength, courage and inspiration to all who knew her.

She is also survived by a son, Marine Lance Corporal Jeremy Joseph Lee, Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.; daughter, Miranda Joan Lee, at home; and son, Matthew William Lee, at home. She is also survived by brothers, Greg Lawville and wife, Kathy, Wilmington, Del.; Joseph, Honeybrook; and a sister, Jeannette Ariellano, Parkside. She is also survived by a large extended family.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 14, at 11 a.m. from the Tunkhannock United Methodist Church, Tunkhannock, Pa. Interment will be held in Sunnyside Cemetery, Tunkhannock, Pa. Friends and family may call at the Sheldon-Kukuchka Funeral Home Inc., 73 W. Tioga St., Tunkhannock, on Sunday afternoon from 1 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Interfaith Friends of Wyoming County, 57 E. Tioga St., Tunkhannock, PA 18657. For directions or online condolences, please visit www.sheldonkukuchkafu neralhome.com.

Published by Scranton Times on Apr. 11, 2014.
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Memories and Condolences
for Elaine Lee

Not sure what to say?





How do you find the words to describe person who you were not in contact with for the last several years. But was a constant person that always lived in your heart and soul. I met Elaine long ago in our freshman year at Misericordia. We met within the first few hours of arriving there and became fast friends immediately. We both ended up leaving our original majors and went into Social Work. Elaine had a gift, a passion for the profession. For four years we went to class together, studied together, and socialized together. We made the transition from late teenager to the beginnings of young adulthood. She truly loved her husband John and they often included me in many of their outings never making me feel like the 5th wheel. When I did move out of the area and I did talk to her she was thrilled to be starting a family, discussing her job and sharing memories of those days long ago. She may be gone but her spirit will live forever in those who had the privilege of knowing her. She will live on in my heart forever and I am blessed to call her my friend. My prayers and thoughts go out to her family during this difficult time.

Arlene Goble

April 30, 2014

Our deepest sympathies to the Lee family. Our thoughts are with all of you, so sorry.

The Distasio Family

April 18, 2014

Our thoughts & prayers are with you. May God bless & sustain you & grant you strength,peace,grace,courage,serenity & a strong faith. One "glorious day" we shall all join on that "Golden Shore" where Elaine has been reunited with her parents & other loved ones gone before her, what a "Reunion"!! We never understand the loss of our young loved ones but we know that it is in God's plan. Matthew 10:30 says that every hair on our heads are numbered & Ecclesiastes 3 says that there is a time & a place & a reason & a season for everything under the Heavens. It also says that there is a time to live & a time to die. Our names are written in God's book & we should enjoy & have a strong faith every day that God loans to us in our journey in this earthly home as we will have our home in Eternity when God calls. Elaine is in Eternity in that Heavenly Mansion & is your "guardian angel"!! The spirit is eternal & Elaine's spirit will forever be with her loved ones in every bright, shining star & in every beautiful, colorful rainbow & in the clouds & the sun & the moon. Just look up!!
I knew Elaine from Interfaith, but we never made the connection, until we saw her picture in the obituary & Douglas said, "Oh, we know her!!". She was a lovely, caring lady & certainly will be missed. Miranda, your Mom is so proud of you for playing the piano at her services!! She will always be there right beside you in all your life endeavors!!
God bless, comfort & cherish you with all your precious memories to hold near & dear to your hearts!! We send our love!!

Merna/ Howard/ Douglas Mapes /Colwell

April 16, 2014

Elaine was one of the first people I got to know in the community service community when I moved here four years ago. We 1st met after the 2011 flood at the warehouse where we helped sort the donated clothes. What a wonderful woman. She spoke lovingly of her children on numerous occasions. May the love she demonstrated to so many come back to her family ten times over! Elaine will be missed!

Lisa Logan Clough

April 16, 2014

John and family,

I am so, so sorry for this terrible loss. I can't imagine how hard this must be. Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Katie Prusko

April 15, 2014

So very sorry to hear this news Elaine and I were friends in college both social work majors and active in campus ministry. She was a good person. Taken way too soon. May God bless her and her family during this difficult time. I'm so sorry to hear this news but glad I knew her

Cynthia Paulikas-Costello

April 14, 2014

Elaine was a precious soul in our community and will be greatly missed and remembered for all the souls she touched.

Passarelli Family

April 14, 2014

Elaine (and John) were old college friends that I lost touch with, but always stayed in my heart. Elaine had a huge heart and always gave so much of herself to others. I am sorry for your loss John and children, and you will be in my prayers.

Julie (Kullman) Cohn

April 14, 2014

So very sorry for you family's loss, I worked with Elaine through Interfaith. She will be missed.

April 13, 2014

Grief "stricken" is an appropriate phrase. The Lee family has firm roots in our own family story...the Christmas Elaine and John opened their home and hosted us (and our priest) and the McIlvennas for an unexpected Christmas potluck when we were unexpectedly snowed into Tunkhannock, the phrase "you can break him but just don't lose him" when I was freaking out after finding Colin (5) and Jeremy (4) about 50 feet up in a pine tree swaying thiiiiis way and thaaaat way laughing their heads off, and all the shared backyard conversations we had where we solved the world's problems with heavy sarcasm :) Elaine's legacy lives not only through her own kids' lives, but all of those kids she touched in her career.... and she will ALWAYS live on in my heart. Love to you all John....Christie, Michael, Colin, Kendra and Claire Lennon.

Christie Lennon

April 13, 2014

We are very saddened to hear of your recent loss and would like to express our sincere condolences to you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow, may looking back in fond and happy memories help comfort your tomorrow.
The Masker Family - Dawn, Gary, & Dylan.

Dawn Millan-Masker

April 13, 2014

John and family,
You have been in my thoughts and prayers,I will never understand this thing called cancer.I do know you are a wonderful family and with time and Gods strength you will heal. please through the next few days just take the strength from all your family and friends know how much you are all loved. Most of all when our time comes we know these loved ones of ours will be there with open arms to welcome us. In my thoughts and prayers through Gods love peace be with you all.

Becky DuPLessisa

April 12, 2014

We will always remember our impromptu Christmas dinner at the Lee house during a blizzard. Elaine had such a big heart and always a kind word. All our thoughts and prayers are with you. - The McIlvenna Family - Tim, Julie, Laurie & Robert

Timothy McIlvenna

April 12, 2014

John and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Please let me know if I can do anything for you and the kids.
My deepest sympathy,
Debbie Halowich

Debbie Halowich

April 12, 2014

We are so very sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful gift to all of us who knew her. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

The Saylor Family

April 12, 2014

Elaine was such a wonderful person. Our prayers are with the Lee Family during this difficult time.

The Guilford Family

April 12, 2014

John and family please know that you are all in our thoughts and in our prayers. Elaine had an infectious smile and joy for life. She adored her family. She will be greatly missed.

John, Pam, Tyler & Ryan Weiss

April 12, 2014

John and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you. May your wonderful memories of Elaine help to heal your hearts. Debbie and Dave Carichner and family

April 12, 2014

Elaine touched many people's lives and had an amazing smile and laugh. She was put here to love her family and to help others which she did seamlessly. She will be missed by many. May memories of her help you all to heal.

Dan & Angela Roote and Children

April 12, 2014

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time.

Moe & Rich Seaberg

April 12, 2014

John, I'm so sorry for your loss. I hope you and your family find comfort and healing.

Sherri Migliori

April 11, 2014

Stay Strong For Your Kids Mr.lee If You Need Any Thing You Know How To Get A Hold Of My mom

cody faux

April 11, 2014

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Hughes family

April 11, 2014

Elaine was a sweet and caring person who will be greatly missed by all. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family at this sorrowful time.

Debbie Milko Family

April 11, 2014

So sorry for your your loss John & kids. I always left with a smile after talking to Elaine. She was such a kind and caring person. She was always upbeat no matter what and she will be sorely missed .....

Chris LaBar

April 11, 2014

Sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Marion and Bill Parry

April 11, 2014

Elaine loved her husband and children very much. We hope that the memories of her joyful personality will comfort you as time goes by. We send our sincere wishes and condolences.

The Heise Family

April 11, 2014

Greg, Kathy our prayers are with you and your family.

The Catterton Family,

Frank Catterton

April 11, 2014

Elaine was a very special person..May your many precious memories give you comfort at this very difficult time..Your family is in my thoughts and prayers..

Debbie Smith

April 11, 2014

So sorry for your loss.

Bill and Fran Belcher

April 11, 2014

John, many thoughts and prayers at this time for you and your children. I remember spending time with Elaine when the boys were in kindergarten. God bless you all.

Donna Shaffer

April 11, 2014

Elaine was a wonderful example of kindness & caring. She was always looking for ways to help others & she did it with such grace & love! You will truly be missed by so many. Keeping her family in my prayers.

Tami Owens

April 11, 2014

Elaine was a beautiful person inside and out. I will remember her laughter her smile and mostly her love of her family. We've had several great talks over the years, just passing time waiting for our children. Was also a privilege to work with her professionally. I pray for God's peace and comfort for you all.

Lea Ann Phinney

April 11, 2014

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Elaine was a wonderful person with an infectious smile and will be missed by everyone.

Barb Stephenson

April 11, 2014

It was such an honor to work with Elaine through United Way. She would go out with me often to speak about services available in the community. She will be greatly missed by many. My thoughts are with her family.

Kristen Huff

April 11, 2014

May God protect you all during this difficult time. We are all blessed to have know and shared in time with Elaine.

Becky Kristunas

April 11, 2014

John and family, please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Elaine was such a wonderful lady who touched the hearts of many. She will be missed by all of us who were blessed to have her in our lives. With Sincerest Sympathy. God Bless.

Laura Yale

April 11, 2014

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time.. Rest in peace Elaine.

Cathy Delmar Roberts

April 11, 2014

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Lee Family. You always left Elaine's presence with a feeling of kindness and a laughter in your heart. She will be deeply missed by all.

Krista Dymond

April 11, 2014

John and Kids: I hope you all know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. I didn't know Elaine well but knew from the first time we spoke she was a kind, wonderful person. She will surely be missed.

Darlene Miller

April 11, 2014

John and Family: I can only extend my deepest sympathies to both you and your family. I did not have the honor of knowing Elaine, but I can see what a wonderful person she must have been. You will all be in my prayers.

Tom Harden

April 11, 2014

I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers to your family during this difficult time.

Mary Moffitt

April 11, 2014

Elaine's kind and generous spirit, great smile and sense of humor will always have a special place in all of our hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Lee Family.

Amy Colley

April 11, 2014

I was honored to have spoken with Elaine a couple of times, but in those few, short conversations, I could tell what a kind, sweet person she was. My thoughts are with the Lee family at this difficult time. She will be missed.

Michelle Repsher

April 11, 2014

I never had the pleasure of meeting Elaine. Knowing John, however, I can't imagine Elaine being less than as kind, compassionate, and caring as he. The Lee family is in my prayers.

April 11, 2014

My prayers go out to the Lee Family. I worked with Elaine at Catholic Social Services in Tunkhannock. She was the sunshine in our office.

Jeanmarie Harding

April 11, 2014

Our family sends our prayers and thoughts to each of you. Elaine will forever be in our hearts.

Jen Chesner

April 11, 2014

Heartfelt condolences are extended to your family at this difficult time. May God be a comfort and strength for each of you. (Psalm 91:2)

April 11, 2014

To the friends and especially the family of the Elaine, my heartfelt sorrow goes out to you. When people talk about Elaine the first and last thing remembered will always be her great smile and the fact that you couldn't help but smile back. May God bless you and send down your Angel when in need.

Elaine Cortright

April 11, 2014

Thoughts and prayers to the Lee Family. Elaine was a wonderful person and will never be forgotten.

The Ell Family

April 11, 2014

Many prayers to the Lee family. Such a kind and beautiful woman. Our thoughts are with all of you.

Jaime Hobbs

April 11, 2014

Our family sends our thoughts and prayers to all of Elaine's family. She was an amazing woman who always smiled and her laugh was infectious! She will be truly missed. All our love, the Valvano's

Angela Valvano

April 11, 2014

I am so very sorry about your loss. I looked forward to her wonderful smile when I went to interfaith. She was a very helpful and caring woman. I am glad I had the pleasure of meeting her. Prayers to your family. So very sorry!

April 11, 2014

Rest in Peace Elaine, you will be missed

Heather Cole

April 10, 2014

Rest in Peace sweet lady!

Stephanie McKaskle

April 10, 2014

Condolences to the Lee family. Thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. God bless you.

Crystal Nasser

April 10, 2014

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