Elaine Mary Comegan, 49

It is with great sorrow that Elvis, Amanda, and Bethany Comegan announce the passing of a loving wife and mother, Elaine Mary Comegan (nee Kestle). Elaine went to be with her Lord, peacefully at home, with her family by her side, early Wednesday morning, February 17. Elaine was born in London, Ontario to Donald and Marion Kestle, on April 2, 1960. After the death of her mother, Elaine was raised by her grandparents, George and Ella Tinney, of Exeter, Ontario. As a teen, she accepted the Lord Jesus into her life and devoted her life to serving Him. Elaine came to Thunder Bay to attend Confederation College in 1981, graduating from the Child Care Worker Program in 1983. While working in a group home she met her future husband, Elvis. It was evident that God put Elvis and Elaine together and they were married on May 2, 1987. God blessed them with two daughters, Amanda in 1989 and Bethany in 1991 and a son Chad in 1994. Over the years Elaine worked at several group homes, Central Free Day Care Centre, and finally at A&P, James and Arthur, as a cashier where she became friends with many of her co-workers as well as customers who went through her till. It was important for Elaine and Elvis to have their daughters involved in some kind of recreation, and through their childhood and teen years they enjoyed many activities. Elaine loved watching the girls play t-ball, softball, figure skating and piano. Elaine willingly volunteered to do whatever was asked of her. She was a proficient seamstress and made beautiful costumes for her girls for figure skating. In 2007, Elaine was awarded the Lifetime Member Award for her commitment and dedication to the Fort William Figure Skating Club. She took an active interest in her daughters’ education and she was proud of their accomplishments. Even through her illness, she continued to provide foster care through Dilico Child and Family Services and this provided her with much joy. Elaine was an active member of Redwood Park Church especially enjoying working in the nursery and toddler departments.
In 2003, Elaine was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer. In typical fashion, she embraced this journey with amazing faith in God. Everyone who came in contact with her was blessed by her remarkable attitude and spirit. She never complained and continued to live each day as a gift from God’s hand knowing her future was secure in Him.
Elaine was predeceased by her son Chad Marnie in infancy (1994), mother and father Marion and Donald Kestle and grandparents George and Ella Tinney. She is survived by her loving husband, Elvis and daughters, Amanda and Bethany. Sisters Margaret Allen (Derwyn) and Barb Elms (Elmer) and brother Bill, Aunt Lois (Ed), cousins Lori Kraul (Randy) and Lisa Schrenk (Eric), all of Southern Ontario (en-route) mother-in-law, Anne Rodegard (Albert) of Thunder Bay and numerous nieces and nephews.
A service celebrating Elaine’s life and testimony will be held on Tuesday, February 23 at Redwood Park Church, 2609 Redwood Avenue at 1 o’clock with David Stezenko officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations made be made to the Northern Cancer Research Foundation, 980 Oliver Road, Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B 6V4.