Elaine Hunter Gleeson

Elaine Hunter Gleeson, 94, of 13789 Carpenter Rd., Guys Mills, passed away Sunday, May 22, 2016, at Crawford County Care Center, Saegertown.

Elaine was born in Altoona, on September 5, 1921, a daughter of the late Frank and Faye Hunter.

On July 22, 1944 Elaine married James Edward Gleeson; he preceded her in death on November 25, 2000.

In 1942 Elaine graduated from Penn State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry. She furthered her education in Chemistry by doing Masters work at Mellon Institute. In the late 1960's, after taking time off to raise her family, Elaine became employed by Montefiore Hospital doing medical research in the field of synthesizing proteins. Elaine enjoyed eating and living a healthy and natural life style for herself and her family, long before the term "organic" became popular. She gardened to grow her own vegetables and raised honey bees. Her hobbies and interest showcased beauty. She raised and showed parakeets and also bred tropical fish. Elaine had a passion for fabrics which led her to sewing and weaving with her own loom. She loved the beauty of flowers and enjoyed working in her flower beds. For a period of twenty years, Elaine volunteered at Longwood Gardens in Philadelphia, a premier horticultural display garden. It was there that she met her dearest and closest friend, Yoko. Elaine's creative nature and good patience allowed for her to build a full sized, functioning organ, from a do-it-yourself kit. Elaine enjoyed traveling with her husband, James, especially on Elderhostel tours. From 2003-2011 she made her home in Orcas Island, WA and in 2011 moved to Guys Mills. Elaine will be remembered for living her life to the fullest.

Elaine is survived by three children, Doug Gleeson and his wife Tristan of Crawfordville, FL, Robert Hunter Gleeson and his wife Linda of Guys Mills, and Wendy Owens and her companion Sandy of Orcas Island, WA. She also is survived by five grandchildren Heather, Amanda, Tara, Blair, and Garrett, two step grandchildren, Travis and Racheal, and five great grandchildren Canyon Ryder, Calista, Bryan, Miranda and Emily, along with several nieces and nephews. Also, Elaine is survived by her three dear caregivers Jules, Lucy, and Jill. Elaine will by missed deeply by everyone that had the pleasure to know her.

In addition to her parents and her husband James of 56 years, Elaine was preceded in death by two sisters Lois and Kamala.

Services will be private and held at the convenience of family.

Memorial contributions may be made to Tamarack Wildlife, 21601 Stull Rd., Saegertown, PA 16433 and Hospice of Crawford County, 464 Pine Street, Meadville PA 16335.

Arrangements are under the direction of Stephen P. Mizner Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 404 Chestnut St., Meadville.

Share a memory or condolence at www.miznerfuneralhome.com