Einie Almi Rachael Elonen

Cortland – Einie Almi Rachel Elonen, age 84, beloved wife, loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, was called home to her Lord on May 1, 2011 surrounded by her children. She entered this world on September 26, 1926, in Vassa, Finland, born to Sophia (Anttila) and Jakko Maki. The Maki family later moved to Windsor, Ontario, Canada. She was united in marriage with Alexander I. Elonen, Jr. on July 2, 1949 in Windsor. They resided in Lima, Ohio for a short period and then in Conneaut, Ohio until 1993 when they moved to Warren. She completed the naturalization process and became an American citizen in 1962. She was a life member (59+ years) of the Grange being a member of the Ashtabula County Grange and the Sheffield Star #1610 Grange. She was a member of the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Cortland, and a former member of the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Conneaut. Einie had a unique and lasting love for her husband and family. She loved to sew and crochet for her family, friends, and the church. She was noted for being very patient and meticulous about her sewing. She was known to take an entire hem apart just to fix one bad stitch. Many of her beautiful quilts found a grateful recipient in distant foreign countries as part of her church’s outreach program. She leaves behind her six children and will be deeply missed by her daughters: Rachel (Harold) Moritz, of Waynesboro, PA; Linda (James) Wright, of Cleveland Heights, OH; Susan (Robert) Pataky, of Cortland, OH; and Rebecca Buckman, of Milan, IN; and her sons: David, of Cortland, OH; and Kaarlo, of Sugar Grove, WV. Also surviving are numerous grand-children, great grand-children, and 2 nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband, Alex, her parents, her sister and brothers. A memorial service will be held at 7 pm., Friday, May 6, 2011, at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 490 N. High St., Cortland, OH, with the Rev. Beth Ferne-Johnson, Associate Pastor officiating. A private burial will follow later at Greenlawn Memorial Cemetery in North Kingsville, OH. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Shafer-Winans Funeral Chapel, 164 N. High St., Cortland, OH. Calling hours will be held from 6-7 pm. prior to the service at the church. Memorial contributions can be made to Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Retirement Services, Attn: Lori Ellison, 1500 McKinley Avenue, Niles, OH 44446 or to the American Cancer Society. Family and friends may view this obituary and send condolences at www.shaferwinanschapel.com