Obituary of Elizabeth C. (Santa) McElwain

Elizabeth C. (Santa) McElwain, 90, of Peabody, wife of the late Norris C. McElwain with whom she shared 60 years of marriage, died Monday morning February 11, 2007 at Beverly Hospital with her family at her side. Mrs. McElwain was born January 23, 1917 in Pittsburg, PA daughter of the late Michael and Margaret (Ready) Santa. She was raised and educated in Pittsburg and later resided in California. In 1963 she moved to Peabody. Mrs. McElwain devoted her entire life to raising her family; later on she spoiled her grandchildren, great grandchildren and had the joy of knowing her great great grandson of 6 months. She was a member of the Tannery Association in Peabody, enjoyed playing beano, listening to music especially country western and loved eating sweets. She is survived by 4 sons and daughters-in-law, Norris C. Jr., and Nicole McElwain of Eufaula AL, Daniel and Nancy McElwain of No Yarmouth ME, Bruce and Gayle McElwain of So Hamilton, Ronald and Roberta McElwain of AZ; 2 daughters, Nancy Wilson of Rolling Heights CA, Elaine Beenz and her husband Charles Munford of Locust Grove VA; 2 sisters, Marie Bigarrelli of PA and Esther Vidic of FL; 9 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren and a great great grandson; several nieces and nephews. Her son Wayne McElwain, a granddaughter Elena McElwain and her siblings Edward Santa and Christine Opipari pre deceased her. Her funeral will be held Friday February 16, 2007 at 11 a.m. in the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., Peabody. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Visiting hours Thursday 2 - 4 & 6 - 8 p.m. Burial in Walnut Grove Cemetery, Danvers. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her memory to the Cedar Glen Nursing Home, Activities Fund, 44 Summer St., Danvers, MA 01923.