Obituary of Elaine F. Durnherr (Smeja)

Durnherr, Elaine F (Smeja) Webster NY: May 14, 2016 93 years young. Predeceased by her husband of 50 years, Joe (Photo) Sr., and her son Joe Jr. Survived by her four devoted daughters, Kathy (Jeff) Deitz, Bonnie (Tom) DelGaizo, Donna Cummiskey and Carol (Mark) Hawley. Her loving grandchildren, Jennifer, Ryan, Tony, Ami, Stephanie, Sydney and Madison, Tyler and Cooper. Great-grandchildren, Veronica, Jakob and Nikolas, Ruby and Ronan. Elaine was an avid reader and history buff. She loved to knit, crochet and paint. She was the family fact and memory keeper. She was an electrical and mechanical draftsman beginning her career at Wollensak’s during WWII. In her later years, she was a co-owner of Laminating Arts of NY with Joe Sr and Joe Jr. Elaine traveled extensively throughout her life. Starting with family camping when we were young, always including a lesson in American history. In later years she was able to visit Europe, Africa, Poland, Alaska and more. She snow skied in the Rockies, the Alps and of course, Bristol Mountain. Her favorite thing was being surrounded by family and friends, laughing and telling stories until the end. Burial will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, a favorite charity of her loving son, Joe Jr. Tom Wolfe dedicates his ride in the annual charity event in Joe’s memory. Donation checks can be made to NCMEC/NY and mailed to: Thomas Wolf, 1096 Glen Edith Dr, Webster NY 14580. Or via link https://fundraising.active.com/fundraiser/ThomasWolf3 (please click on "Fundraiser" on the left side of screen to get to website)