Elaine Edwards Rodecki

Elaine Edwards Rodecki, 93, of Gardner, passed away on March 4 at UMass Medical Center in Worcester, after a brief illness contributed to previous underlying health conditions. She was surrounded by loved ones when she passed.

Elaine is survived by her daughter Karen Rodecki of Long Beach, CA; her grandson Jacob Dickinson and his wife Jacqui, and her great-grandchildren Eloise and Clark, all of Fitzwilliam, NH.

Elaine was predeceased by her daughters, Donna Dickinson and Cheryl Rodecki.

Elaine was born in 1931 to Harley Edwards and Fanny (Hall) Edwards. She grew up on Morgan Farm in Hubbardston. She attended elementary school in a "one-room schoolhouse," where she was able to advance at her own pace and managed to complete two grade levels in one year. She then attended Gardner High School. She was married to Albert Rodecki in 1950 and had three daughters. She worked in the records department at North Central Correctional Institution from 1981-1991.

Elaine was an avid animal lover, and dedicated much of her adult life to doing cat rescue and "TNR" - a method of helping to reduce pet overpopulation. She partnered with her friend Sandra Taylor, and the two were often called on by members of the community to help with stray cats in their neighborhood. She also volunteered at the Pat Brody Shelter in Lunenburg for many years.

Elaine, along with her friends June Lindston and Phyllis Cochran, were paramount in establishing a Gardner chapter of The Compassionate Friends - an organization that provides support for people who have lost children.

Elaine loved being out in nature. She loved walking in the woods and going to the beach. Quabbin Reservoir and Marconi Beach on the Cape were two of her favorite places.

Elaine was also an avid reader and gardener, and enjoyed playing board games with family and friends. She was always the champ at Scrabble.

Elaine will be missed by all of her friends, especially Donna St. Jean and Cindy Couture.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.