WILMINGTON — Elaine Willis, 78, of Wilmington, NC, passed away Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at Lower Cape Fear LifeCare.
She was born August 20, 1946 in Wilkes-Barre, PA, daughter of the late Ignatius Lutkoski and Helen Dushner Lutkoski.
Elaine was a treasured daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend. She grew up in the Poconos with her parents and brother, Bob. After college Elaine found her way to Connecticut where she met her future husband of 54 years, Richard. Ironically, as someone who was not particularly fond of the ocean, or water generally, she fell for a Navy man. In Connecticut they raised their three boys, Chris, Mike, and Steve. After Richard left the Navy, the two moved from one town near the coast in Connecticut to a town even closer to the coast here in Wilmington. Along the way, she shared Richard’s sense of adventure and loved to travel. They took each other all over the world – enjoying every moment.
With three boys active in sports, it gave her more opportunities to watch sports than she would probably have expected. Maybe it was learned from her father, a sports fan himself who would often watch one game on TV while listening to another on the radio. As a former teacher and librarian, Elaine, clearly enjoyed giving back where she could – evidenced by the many times she donated her time helping in her kid’s classes or activities and at local food kitchens. She enjoyed reading, crafts, and sewing, particularly cross-stitch pictures. A skill surely inherited and learned from her mother. Some of her best works are the quilted baby blankets she made for her grandchildren, Elizabeth, Graham and Ryan.
In addition to her three grandchildren, Elaine leaves behind her husband, Richard Willis; three sons, Christopher Willis (Christine), Michael Willis (Carrie) and Steven Willis (Lauren); a brother, Robert Lutkoski (Margaret); and many friends and family that will forever miss her.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 9:00AM Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 6650 Carolina Beach Road, Wilmington, NC 28412.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Elaine’s memory may be made by mail to: Lower Cape Fear LifeCare, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401, or online at: lifecare.org
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