In Memory
M. Elaine Gilpin
Jun. 26, 1913 - May 16, 2009
SOUTH BEND - M. Elaine Gilpin, 95, of South Bend, passed away at 11:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2009, in Southfield Village, South Bend.
Elaine was born on June 26, 1913, in Galesburg, MI, to the late Dr. O. Glenn and Eva (Smith) Davidson.
She lived in Galesburg until the age of five when the family moved to Kalamazoo, MI. She had the unusual experience of attending only one educational institution for her entire education including elementary, high school and college. That institution was Western State Teachers College, currently Western Michigan University, from which she graduated in 1935 with a degree in business administration. She taught school in Bangor, MI, for two years, and later in life returned to teaching social studies at Washington High School in South Bend for 11 years.
Elaine married Gerald M. Gilpin on October 18, 1937, who preceded her in death on June 13, 1978. In 1950, after living 13 years in Kalamazoo, the family moved to South Bend, which has since been her home. Elaine volunteered for many years for the Memorial Hospital Auxiliary where she was a past board member. She also was a charter member of St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church in 1956. She held many offices within the church including the Vestry, Altar Guild and St. Anne's Guild. She was also the past president of St. Anne's Guild and was the manager of the gift shop at the church.
Elaine is survived by her three children, Jill Whitmer of South Bend, Dr. John (Linda) Gilpin of Wabash, IN, and David Gilpin of South Bend; three grandchildren, Lynn (Rick) Drzewiecki of South Bend, Thomas (Elizabeth) Whitmer of Las Cruces, New Mexico, and Lisa (Dan) Englebert of South Bend; seven great-grandchildren, Sam Englebert, Rachel Englebert, Nick Drzewiecki, Paige Teofrio, Christopher Whitmer, Jenifer Whitmer and Elias Whitmer; and one great-great-granddaughter, Elliana Teofrio.
She was preceded in death by two brothers, Dr. J.L. Davidson and Richard D. Davidson; and her son-in-law, John A. Whitmer.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 23rd, in St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, 53720 N. Ironwood, South Bend, IN. Rev. Richard Kallenberg will officiate. A private entombment will take place at Riverview Cemetery, South Bend, at a later date. There will be no visitation. Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, South Bend, is assisting with funeral arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of M. Elaine Gilpin may be made to St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, 53720 N. Ironwood, South Bend, IN 46635; or to The Center for Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.
Elaine's family will miss her dearly but are thankful for all of the memories and positive qualities she possessed. Elaine had a keen, inquisitive mind and was always eager for additional knowledge. She was an avid reader and enjoyed playing bridge. She was family-oriented and a true matriarch of her family.
"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened."
Dr. Seuss
Published in the South Bend Tribune on May 21, 2009.
M. Elaine Gilpin
Jun. 26, 1913 - May 16, 2009
SOUTH BEND - M. Elaine Gilpin, 95, of South Bend, passed away at 11:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2009, in Southfield Village, South Bend. Elaine was born on June 26, 1913, in Galesburg, MI, to the late Dr. O. Glenn and Eva (Smith) Davidson. She lived in Galesburg until the age of five when the family moved to Kalamazoo, MI. She had the unusual experience of attending only one educational institution for her entire education including elementary, high school and college. That institution was Western State Teachers College, currently Western Michigan University, from which she graduated in 1935 with a degree in business administration. She taught school in Bangor, MI, for two years, and later in life returned to teaching social studies at Washington High School in South Bend for 11 years.
Elaine married Gerald M. Gilpin on October 18, 1937, who preceded her in death on June 13, 1978. In 1950, after living 13 years in Kalamazoo, the family moved to South Bend, which has since been her home. Elaine volunteered for many years for the Memorial Hospital Auxiliary where she was a past board member. She also was a charter member of St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church in 1956. She held many offices within the church including the Vestry, Altar Guild and St. Anne's Guild. She was also the past president of St. Anne's Guild and was the manager of the gift shop at the church.
Elaine is survived by her three children, Jill Whitmer of South Bend, Dr. John (Linda) Gilpin of Wabash, IN, and David Gilpin of South Bend; three grandchildren, Lynn (Rick) Drzewiecki of South Bend, Thomas (Elizabeth) Whitmer of Las Cruces, New Mexico, and Lisa (Dan) Englebert of South Bend; seven great-grandchildren, Sam Englebert, Rachel Englebert, Nick Drzewiecki, Paige Teofrio, Christopher Whitmer, Jenifer Whitmer and Elias Whitmer; and one great-great-granddaughter, Elliana Teofrio. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Dr. J.L. Davidson and Richard D. Davidson; and her son-in-law, John A. Whitmer.
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