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Elaine L Capozzoli

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Elaine Capozzoli Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Sep. 21, 2025.

Elaine Capozzoli, age 91, passed away peacefully on September 19, 2025. She was born on March 12, 1934, in Appleton, Wisconsin, to Elsie and Frank Henke.

At the age of 18, Elaine moved to Milwaukee, where she soon met and married the love of her life, William (Bill) Capozzoli, in 1953. Bill was also known to many as "Cap". Together, they raised three children and built a home filled with love, kindness, and care. Bill passed away in 1993, after 40 years of marriage. Elaine was later blessed to find love again with her partner Bill Hocker, affectionately known to many as "Mr. Bill." They shared over 20 wonderful years together.

Elaine worked for many years at Blue Cross Blue Shield in Milwaukee before retiring in 1985 and moving with her husband to Lakeland, Florida. Retirement brought her great joy, and she made many lasting friendships in the Sandpiper community.

Elaine's life was marked by her warmth, thoughtfulness, and zest for living. She enjoyed an active and full life, staying engaged with friends, family, and her community. Her last five years were spent at Lake Gibson Village, where she thrived as an independent resident, taking part in activities, events, and shows, while forming cherished friendships. She often expressed her gratitude for the wonderful staff who cared so deeply for all the residents.

Elaine is lovingly remembered by her children, Mark (Lori), Paul (Betty), and Cathleen (Michael); her grandchildren, Tim, Krissy, and Toni; and her great-grandchildren; Summer, Cooper, Charlie and Jeffery. She was preceded in death by her parents, Elsie and Frank Henke, and her beloved husband William Capozzoli, partner Bill Hocker and her sister Hazel Rusch.

Elaine will be remembered for her kindness, graciousness, and the sharp wit and vitality she carried throughout her 91 years. She touched many lives with her gentle spirit and will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

In accordance with Elaine's wishes, no funeral or memorial service will be held. Her family asks that friends honor her memory by carrying forward the kindness and compassion she shared so generously in her lifetime.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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Recent Activity

September 28, 2025

Cindi Lu Dolata posted to the memorial.

September 26, 2025

John and Lori Rusch posted to the memorial.

September 25, 2025

susan urquhart posted to the memorial.

4 Entries

Cindi Lu Dolata

September 28, 2025

When I think of my Aunt Elaine I think of how lively and fun she always was. She and my mother were not just sisters, but fast friends. As one of the younger children in my family my little brother and I had many opportunities to go shopping or just hang out with them (mostly because we were not allowed to be at home alone). Regardless as to why we were there we got to witness their special relationship.

The fact that we lived close to my Aunt Elaine and Uncle Bill (Cap) resulted in both families getting together for special event throughout the years. The Cappozzoli household was always fun with Elaine the life of the party.

As years passed none of us lived close but the strong relationships between my parents and Elaine and Cap continued. Eventually my parents joined Cap and Elaine in Lakeland, Florida. This provided us opportunities to visit everyone at the same time. For years the Lakeland Community was a place to visit and to enjoy family times.

Elaine was such positive person and even after the loss of her husband continued to be full of life and fun. She eventually found another partner similar to Cap in his positive outlook on life. They were both incredibly social and ready for an adventure.

Elaine continued to be the the social person when she moved to her apartment at Lake Gibson. I bragged to my friends about my active 90 year old Aunt who participated in all the activities especially the one where she dressed up as a butterfly for the visiting children on Halloween.

Elaine lived life fully and I am so proud of who she was.

John and Lori Rusch

September 26, 2025

My Aunt Elaine. She was around so much of the time when I was growing up because we lived about a mile from each other. I remember trading off Holiday dinners with the families getting together and having a good time. She put a lot of effort into her meals, and everything always tasted great. When we had to move from Milwaukee due to my dad´s job, she allowed my sister and I to stay at her house until the end of the semester so we wouldn´t have to start a new school in the middle of the semester. I remember going to their house for Thanksgiving one year after we had moved to Michigan and had to go through a bad ice/snowstorm, but we made it, and it was worth it. They would come to visit us in Michigan almost every summer, even after my parents moved away they would still come and stay a night or two at my house, it was always so nice to see them.
When they moved to Lakeland just a few blocks from where my parents lived it was great. She helped get them involved in so many things that I don´t think my mom and dad would have done without them. After my father passed away, she was such a help to my mother and to us knowing that someone was there looking after her and letting us know how things were going. Aunt Eliane would take my mom to bingo and all the other activities at the clubhouse to keep her active. I really think she is a big reason my mother was able to live on her own after my dad passed. She was a lifesaver.
We always tried to get to see her when we were in Florida, but we haven´t gone in a while, it will be sad not going to visit, she was always so cheerful. I will always remember her stories, every once in a while, she would tell me something about our relatives that I never knew before, she had such a good memory. She was always so grateful for the little things I did around her house when we came to visit, but I think she was just happy for the visit. She was grateful for all the little things in life. We will miss her.
To Mark, Paul, and Cathy, your mom was always so good to my sisters and I, when we all came for Christmas, she would let some of us stay at her house so we could spend more time together. She was a help to both my mom and dad, she made their lives better. She always talked about you and was proud of you. You can be proud of her, she was a wonderful lady.
With love John and Lori

susan urquhart

September 25, 2025

Elaine has been a strong influence in my life. She was my aunt and in later years we had a strong connection. She has been a role model in my life. Her genuine positive outlook on life, her wit, her sharp mind. I would call her to get her updates on the news. We shared the love of reading. She loved being at Lake Gibson and when times I could not reach her I might call the desk and ask was there an event and they would say yes. I knew she was loved by so many. She loved the staff all of them. Her friends and dinner companions. And I am grateful she found Lake Gibson, her new family and friends and maintained her dignity throughout her life. Her two great loves of her life. And she would say Bill #1 and Bill #2. Two amazing men. And her children, Mark, Paul and Cathy. I shall miss you Elaine and how many words of wisdom you gave me. With so much Love, Susan

Vicki Hay

September 22, 2025

Aunt Elaine was so good to me while she and Cap lived in Milwaukee. She always invited me into her home. In Lakeland she was always there for her sister Hazel. Happy memories to a unique and special lady.