Elaine Stewart Gourley passed away peacefully, at the age of 83, on February 14, 2008, at her residence at Providence Mount St. Vincent in Seattle, Washington.
Elaine was born on October 2, 1924, in West Seattle to Leona and Fred D. Stewart. Her father was in the dairy business with The Carnation Company, and as a child she lived in Okanogan, Friday Harbor, and North Seattle. Elaine graduated from Queen Anne High School in 1942. After graduating high school, Elaine attended Washington State University and then served her country during the latter part of World War II. She met her future husband while serving as a volunteer for the U.S.O.
After the war, Elaine returned to Seattle where she worked for The DuPont Company. In1945 she married Bob Gourley and they settled in West Seattle. They were blessed to have two happy and healthy children, Dick and Diane, during the early 1950's. Elaine and Bob made family their top priority and the children were very fortunate to have had such kind, loving, and positive role models.
After her husband's death in 1973, Elaine began her second career working in The City of Seattle's Department of Planning and Development. After nearly twenty years of dedicated service, she retired in 1992. During her retirement she enjoyed gardening at her home overlooking Puget Sound, spending time with her children, traveling, following the Seattle Mariners, and participating in several wonderful community organizations. Elaine moved to Providence Mount St. Vincent in 1998 where she made many new friends and was an active member of the community.
Elaine was preceded in death, by her loving husband, Robert M. Gourley. She is survived by her children, Richard S. (Dick) Gourley, Diane G. Hogle, and son-in-law, Andrew J. Hogle; her grandchildren, Elizabeth D. Hogle, Christine L. Hogle, Robert A. Hogle, and Katherine G. Gourley. She is also survived by many wonderful relatives and friends who were always there for her during her journey through life.
Her family is grateful to the wonderful and dedicated staff at The Mount who cared for Elaine with kindness and love during her final years.
A private family service was held on February 19, 2008. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to: Providence Mount St. Vincent, 4831 35th Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98126.
