Essex Junction

Elaine Mary Edson Strunk died peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones, in the early morning hours on Sunday, March 31, 2024 at the McClure Miller Respite House in Colchester, Vermont.

Elaine was born on October 13, 1943 in Springfield, VT, daughter of Harold "Whitey" and Violet Spaulding Edson. She grew up there and graduated from Springfield High School in 1961. She then went on to graduate from Champlain College in Burlington, VT in 1964 with a degree as a Medical Secretary. In 1967, Elaine married Robert Strunk and in 1970 they welcomed a daughter, Leah, into the world. And while the marriage didn't last, Elaine proved to be the strongest, most self-sufficient and most loving mother a child could ask for, raising Leah almost single handedly.

Growing up in Springfield, Elaine enjoyed learning to sew, knit and crochet with her mother and her sister, visiting her extended family in Rutland, playing outside with her friends and playing sports with her brothers and her father. She especially enjoyed, and excelled at, archery. She told many stories of cross-country travels, a family of six packed into a station wagon with no AC or radio, the Army issued green, canvas tents that leaked if you touched them when it rained. Heavy air mattresses that had to be blown up by mouth and left black circles around your mouth. All of this endured to compete in Archery tournaments with her dad, the rest of the family in tow to cheer them on. And while, as a kid, Elaine may not have thought these trips were all that much "fun", as an adult, she looked back on them fondly, knowing how important that family time together really was.

After graduating from Champlain College, Elaine worked briefly as a receptionist for a doctors office before being drawn back to Champlain in 1971. It was then that she began her 45 year career with the college. Elaine became a well known fixture with Champlain, earning several awards and much recognition for her work and service with the college. She loved her many roles, never shying away from taking on new challenges and adding to her ever-growing list of responsibilities. She loved working with the students in the Student Resource Center and remembered EVERYONE'S name. She loved meeting and talking with the parents when helping them navigate the Cash Card system. She was often referred to as the students' "Mom away from home". She was a devoted fan and member of the booster club for the Champlain Basketball team and never missed a game. Even traveled with them when they went to Nationals. She went on several trips abroad as a chaperone with the International Students and was instrumental in making sure they had everything they needed to be successful while in school here. And she was very proud that she helped "raise" 5 college presidents during her time with Champlain. Elaine just loved to be helpful. No matter who you were or what you needed, she wanted to do it for you. And if she couldn't, she would find the person who could.

All of this meant a lot to Elaine. But the one thing she was most proud of was her family. Raising her daughter as a single mother was surely challenging at times. But Elaine never wavered from her dedication to provide Leah with everything she needed, most of all – a loving home. Leah will honestly say that she never wanted for anything. And when Elaine became a grandmother, "Mims" took on that role with just as much love and commitment. She was always there for her grandchildren. The kids loved sleep-overs at Mims' with blanket tents made around the pull-out couch. She never missed a game, a recital, a school play, a concert, or a graduation. She even let the family of five move in for a while, with 3 cats!!! And as a great-grandmother, Mims was as happy as ever. A few balls of yarn and two great grandchildren made for a fantastic day. And although Mims loved the title of "Great Grandma", she usually upgraded it to "Awesome Grandma"!

Elaine retired from Champlain in 2014. Her family often encouraged her to travel and enjoy her free time by doing some exploring. And while she did travel a few times with her brother and sister, Elaine preferred to stay closer to home, taking several day and weekend road trips with Leah to attend various college games and events that the grandkids were involved with. Still always the biggest fan and cheerleader. And as these trips came to an end, Elaine's favorite place was her home in Essex Jct. She loved to be there, in her yard and by the pool, with the family and her dog, Roscoe. She loved being active and walked Roscoe at least 2 or 3 times a day. And, thanks to Covid, many of her neighbors were home during the day as well. Mom looked forward to her walks to visit with neighbors that were also out, as they became friends now that they were all home. And some of these neighbors were as close as family, loved and cherished always.

Elaine enjoyed some time on the Essex Cemetery Committee, finding Veterans graves and making sure they all had flags on them. She didn't want anyone forgotten.

Elaine is survived by her daughter, Leah Main and Leah's partner, Jodi Doyle. She is also survived by her grandson, Colby Main and his partner, Ali Cyr; her granddaughter, Tatum Acker and her husband Wade Acker and their children, Henry and Kennedy; her grandson Cameron Main and his partner, Bri Belleville. Her sister, Joanne Woodward; her brother Erik Edson and his wife Judy, and her brother Keith Edson and his wife, Karen. Her sister-in-law, Lonnie Edson. Nieces Jill Woodward, Erica Borthwick and Marcy Brigham. And many other nieces and nephews and so many family and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date, hopefully this summer.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the McClure Miller Respite House. Elaine's family will forever be grateful for the care and compassion they and Elaine received during their time there.