Elaine Mary (Demars) Fortune
Hyde Park-Elaine Mary (Demars) Fortune, 80, passed away Monday, June 12, 2017 at home following a 25 year battle with breast cancer. She was surrounded by what mattered to her most, her family. However, cancer was just a footnote in her life story. What Elaine will be remembered for is the absolute love, devotion, and selflessness she showed to her family and friends. She was a kind, classy lady who always saw the best in people. A stoic Vermonter, her strength of character and strong reserve were admired by those around her. She was quick to smile and to find the humor in everyday things. Laughing was a big part of her life and she did it often. Elaine was always up for a ride with Chip on the back roads of Vermont, admiring homes and landscapes.
For many years she and Chip looked forward to their travels south, spending most of the winter months at their Florida home. Elaine’s professional working life included several years in the business offices at Copley and Springfield hospitals.
Elaine grew up in Greensboro Bend and had fond memories of life on the hill. Owning the first TV in town, upside down ice cream cones from Craig at Smith’s store, and her mother standing out on the front porch ringing the school bell when it was suppertime, just to name a few. She was a hotshot basketball player in her day and her ability to play the piano by ear and sing harmony on any song put her at the center of many sing-a-longs throughout her life. There is no doubt she’s now playing and singing in heaven’s angel band.
Though she really didn’t want to leave, she recently said ‘I’ve had a long life and a good life.’ Elaine had a strong, quiet faith and only illness kept her from continuing to kneel beside her bed in prayer every night. She never complained. Her worry was not for herself but for those she would be leaving behind.
One of those left behind is her devoted husband, Carl (Chip). 60 years ago Chip was harrowing a field in Craftsbury when his buddy, Bryce, showed up and convinced him to go to a dance at Urie’s that night. There he met Elaine. They danced and the rest is history. Their love, commitment and respect for each other was a rare and beautiful thing to witness.
In addition to her husband of almost 59 years, Elaine leaves her son, Carl and wife, Theresa Fortune of Morrisville and her daughter, Kimberly, and husband, Ted Lambert of Hyde Park. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, Natalie Fortune, Luke Fortune and Ava Lambert. She thought the world of them and they of her. Elaine also leaves her sister, Helen Renaud of East Craftsbury and brother, Sonny and wife, Peg Demars of Morrisville; sisters-in-law, Jeanne Young, Barbara Lussier, Lois Charron and Charlotte and husband, Clem Royer as well as many nieces and nephews.
Elaine was predeceased by her parents, Oneal and Hilda Demars; sisters-in-law, Gloria Demars, Mary Demars and Mary Chase; brothers-in-law, Phil Renaud, Ray Fortune, Henry Young, Rodolph Chase, Noel Lussier, Dale Charron and niece, Robin Stebbins.
Elaine’s family wishes to thank Dr. Julie Olin for 19 years of exceptional care, as well as Sue Hooper, N.P., Laura Labow, N.P., Pam Stengel, RN, Jody Cote and the rest of the ACU staff at Copley Hospital. We would also like to thank Dr. Carl Nelson and his caring and efficient staff at UVMMC and our local Lamoille Home Health & Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Lamoille Area Cancer Network, 198 Farr Avenue, Morrisville, VT 05661 or the charity of one’s choice.
Visitation will held Friday, June 16 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Faith Funeral Home, 165 Brooklyn St., Morrisville. A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 17 at 2:00 p.m. at the Second Congregational Church in Hyde Park. Online condolences may be made by visiting faithfh.net.
