Elaine L. McCart

1928 - 2020

Elaine L. McCart

Elaine Lois Hoard was born October 7, 1928 to Ross and Eva Hoard in Alcester, South Dakota. She was the third of four children. She graduated from the McKennan Hospital nursing school in 1949. As an RN, she worked in multiple hospitals, including polio wards in Texas, before marrying John B. "Jack" McCart in 1951. They raised five children together. During those early years, she worked part time as an RN. With her husband's strong encouragement, she returned to school when their youngest child started kindergarten. After completing her bachelor's degree, she worked as a nursing instructor at Sioux Valley Hospital (now Sanford Hospital), and completed her Master's degree.

Elaine and Jack also volunteered for various political candidates over the years. Elaine was a South Dakota state Senator from 1975-1976. During that time, she voted against a state income tax, despite being instructed by her party to vote for it. She reasoned that since the voters of her county had clearly and overwhelmingly communicated that they did not want a state income tax, as their elected representative, she was required to vote as they had instructed.

Elaine lived her values and passed them down to her children and grandchildren. She taught them the value of hard work, of always loving your family, and doing what you know is right no matter how difficult it may be. She will be deeply missed.

Elaine McCart is survived by her five children, sixteen grandchildren, and twenty great-grandchildren. When larger gatherings and travel are considered safe again, there will be a memorial service in San Diego where she has lived for nineteen years, and another memorial service in South Dakota where she will be buried. For dates and times of the memorial services, please see www.legacyfuneralcare.com. Information will be posted once the services are scheduled.