Newport, N.H. —
Born to George and Olympia (Sakelaris) Cuciufiti on Dec. 30, 1927, Elaine grew up an spent most of her life in the Newport area. After graduating from Newport High School in 1949, Elaine went on to start her own restaurant, The Green Bonnet, on the corner of Central Street and Sunapee Street, which she operated for 18 years. She then proceeded to work at Good Year for ten years. Then she went on to work with her husband, Maurice Nelson, Sr., as caretakers for the Bill Ruger, Sr. properties.
Elaine married Maurice Nelson, Sr. on May 20, 1972 and spent 22 wonderful years together before he passed in 1994. They enjoyed their retirement by traveling, snowmobiling, fishing, and hunting. Elaine was a good shot. In fact, her nickname was Annie Oakley because one shot is all it took! She also loved to pass the time with knitting, poultry shows, and of course, BINGO! Elaine was proud to be one of the co-founders of the Croydon Women Auxiliary, a group that raised enough money to help build the Croydon Fire Station. A feisty and independent woman, Elaine loved to tell stories, all of which are now part of the warm memories she leaves behind.
Elaine was predeceased by her parents, her husband, and her sisters, Pauline C. Fortune and husband Roger, and Despa C. Ward and husband David.
Surviving family includes her stepson, Maurice Jr. and wife Kay of Meredith, N.H.; stepdaughter, Rebecca and husband Bob Alstrom of Maine; nephews, Daniel Fortune of Newport, George and wife Barbara Fortune of Newport, and David Ward of Rhode Island; nieces, Pamela Anderson and husband John of Rhode Island, and Carol A. Kingston of Enfield; many great-nieces and nephews, and many great-great-nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Newton-Bartlett Funeral Home on Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2017. The funeral service will begin promptly at noon. Burial will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery immediately after. A luncheon will be held at the Forrester’s Club on Maple Street in Newport at approximately 1p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Croydon Fire Department, 828 NH-10, Croydon, NH 03773.
To sign an online guestbook, please visit www.newtonbartlett.com.