Elaine Marilyn Shelanskas

Elaine Marilyn Shelanskas, 86, passed away peacefully on August 28, 2025, at home in Golden, Colorado surrounded by her loved ones.
Elaine was born on January 10, 1939, to Clair and Dorothy Ferris in Beverly, Massachusetts. Having three older brothers, Philip, Gordon, and Lawrence, Elaine developed a spunky, self-resilient, and courageous personality. As a young girl, she was a member of the local 4H club where she perfected her skills in cooking and sewing. She won multiple awards and had opportunities to travel and showcase her talents across New England.
In 1959, Elaine gave birth to her daughter Diane. Elaine was a hardworking and dedicated mother. She raised Diane in her likeness, teaching her how to be a strong and fiercely independent woman. She always supported Diane in her endeavors, and encouraged Diane to get a good education, travel, and explore all of life's opportunities.
When Diane was a little girl, Elaine bought her a dog named Gigi. While they weren't supposed to have a dog in their rental, the landlord always turned a blind eye. Diane and Elaine spoiled their new dog. With Gigi, their family felt complete. Elaine was an animal lover and cared for all her dogs and cats like children.
Elaine found her calling as a hairdresser. She became a business owner, and opened her own beauty salon, Golden Dreams, in Feeding Hills, Massachusetts. Her clients became her life long friends, a true testament to her talents and alluring personality. She was still doing their hair at the age of 86! Even her dogs, like Gigi, would get special grooming and were often accessorized with little bows.
On October 1, 1983, she married the love of her life, Robert Shelanskas. Together they enjoyed traveling, golfing, and hosting parties. In their years together, they visited destinations like Alaska and Switzerland. Golf provided them the joy of friendly competition and community. Elaine was a true hostess and loved throwing elaborate parties. Whether it was a small family Christmas or a large Labor Day party, everything was put together with love and enthusiasm.
Elaine loved her job, her sport, her pets and her friends, but the role that brought her the most joy was being a grandmother. She had two grandchildren, Michelle and Michael, and three great-grandchildren, Emmerson, Esmé and Asa. She filled every holiday, birthday, and special occasion with warm memories, good food, great company, and lots of laughter. She traveled to Disney World with her great-grandson, and across the country to spend time in San Francisco and Denver.
Upon her retirement at the age of 86, she moved to Colorado with her daughter to be close to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In her final days, Elaine said she would "live forever if it were possible." She never took the gift of life for granted and lived every moment to the fullest. Though she would have preferred the adventure to never end, Elaine died at home embraced by the love and care of her family, just as she had wanted.
Elaine will be cremated on Friday, September 12. Messages of sympathy and condolences can be sent to Diane Griffiths at 5733 Devils Head Ct., Golden, CO 80403.