ELAINE BECKENEY

Elaine was born to Elmer and Eleanore (nee Schwarz) Hintz on Dec. 27, 1924 in Detroit. She graduated from East Detroit High School in 1943. Like many young women at the beginning of World War II, she found employment as a “Rosie the Riveter”. Elaine, following her curiosities, posted a letter to the National Weather Service for a tour of their facility. Not only did she receive a tour, but she was offered a position as a meteorologist at Detroit City Airport. While there, she was also enrolled in flight school.

On Aug. 23, 1946, she married Ernest John Beckeney in Detroit. The couple had two children, Bruce and Lauren. They had two business ventures in the Metro Detroit area: a restaurant in Mt. Clemens and an automotive trim company in Centerline, Mich. In 1980, Elaine was employed with the State of Michigan and retired in 1990. She relocated to Northern Michigan.

Elaine loved to garden and was a past member of the Alpena Garden Club. In 2011, she was the recipient of the “Patriotic Gardening Award” by the SUVCW (Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War) for maintaining the Civil War plot at Evergreen Cemetery.

Elaine was well-traveled and was amazed visiting Poet’s Corner at Westminster Abbey; the burial place of her favorite poet, William Wordsworth. She was also a tireless foster parent and Girl Scout Leader. Elaine was also a staunch supporter of PETA, Huron Humane Society, ASPCA and Best Friend Animal Sanctuary. She has been reunited with our beloved Maya on the Rainbow Bridge.

Elaine is survived by two children, Bruce Beckeney, of Presque Isle, and Lauren, of Alpena; and one sister, Joyce Kageff (Gordon) of Longwood, Fla.

Elaine was preceded in death by her husband of 25 years, Ernest; two brothers, Elmer and Frederick.

Per her request, her body has been taken to Bannan Funeral Home for cremation. There is to be no funeral. Elaine will be greatly missed by all who loved her.