Elaine A. Effman

Elaine A. Effman, beloved wife and mother, passed away on January 11, 2024 in New Hampshire after a battle with pancreatic cancer.  Born on July 2, 1943 to Allen E and Lydia B Avery, Elaine was raised in Old Mystic, CT.  In 1966, Elaine married David Effman of Groton, in a hastily put together ceremony with an $80 budget.  They remained married for 57 wonderful years filled with love, laughter, and even occasional bickering.  They raised two daughters in the Mystic area, Ellen Johnston (Clinton) and Rebekah Spotts (James) and could always be seen at choral or band concerts and sporting events supporting their girls.  Elaine’s decades-long teaching career began soon after earning her Bachelor’s degree from Willimantic State Teachers College.  Elaine subsequently earned a Masters and CAGS (Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies) in Administration, and retired from the Stonington school system in 2001 after having taught nearly every grade level, though middle school was her favorite.  Elaine and Dave then hit the road for a well deserved cross country trip, enjoying nearly every corner of the country, visiting friends and family where they could, and making new friends along the way.  For many years, Elaine was a faithful member of the Old Mystic Baptist Church.  Her unmatched creativity, passion for organizing and desire to contribute to a greater good was a perfect fit for running holiday bazaars, church suppers and youth groups.  In addition, Elaine was often found singing in the choir, directing and accompanying the choir, or working as the organist at OMBC or any other number of churches throughout New England.  Though a dedicated teacher and church member, Elaine’s greatest passion was her family.   While they loved their daughters, life changed when grandchildren arrived.   One of the driving factors for moving to NH was so that Eliza, Meredith and Bennett could experience the unencumbered natural world and enjoy the many wonders that God created.  Nene loved watching her grandchildren play, singing silly songs, or reading with them, and they in turn cherished their Nene.  She had special relationships with each grandchild and could often be found sneaking them gift cards or treats with the promise that they “not tell their mother.”  Elaine’s fourth grandchild, Cadence was born in 2023 and in that short time was spoiled as only Nene could. Funeral services will be held at the Poquonnock Bridge Baptist Church in Groton, CT on January 20th at 12:00.  A reception will follow at the church. Her family asks that donations be made to Poquonnock Bridge Baptist Church in her memory, or that you simply put a smile on someone’s face by being kind to them.