Obituary of Elaine Charlotte Spavins

Franklin Square, New York – Elaine C. Spavins, 102, passed away peacefully on November 11. Born at home in Brooklyn, New York in 1921, she was the daughter of Thomas and Charlotte (Huber) Stackpole. Educated mostly in New York schools, she graduated from Lakeland High School in Florida after a family move to address her father's poor health. Elaine grew up during the Great Depression when helping family and neighbors was instilled in her and carried with her throughout her life. In 1940, she moved back to New York and started a long career with the Telephone Company that would span over four decades – with a break in service to raise her three sons. Memorable of her time working for "Long Lines" (Long Distance calling) was her story working in New York on Sunday Dec 7, 1941 – when she vividly recalled the switch board "lighting up like a Christmas Tree." World War II would bring long hours of shift work and a three-year engagement while her fiancée was serving overseas. As the daughter of a World War I veteran; the wife, sister and sister-in-law of six World War II veterans and the mother of an Army National Guardsman and Army Reservist – all through her life, she would always comment on her gratitude for servicemen and women and how happy she was for them to return home to their families. Elaine was active in local Queens politics, working for both Republican and Democratic candidates. "It is about the person," she would always instruct. She wore many hats while raising her family – from Den Mother to PTA President. She was an active member of the Communications Workers of America Local 1101 and for many years served as a shop steward to adjudicate disputes that would come up. She was a natural peacemaker, albeit firm about fairness. She was very committed to her Catholic faith – becoming a Secular Franciscan and an active member of the Legion of Mary - dedicated to praying the Rosary. One of her sons once questioned her walking to church in a snow storm when she was 92 – her response – "I had to be there to help the old people on the steps of the church." When she was widowed, she started a Bereavement Group serving several parishes. Mrs. Spavins was predeceased by her husband, Harvey J. Spavins, her brother, Thomas W. Stackpole and a sister Edna Stackpole who died in infancy. She is survived by her sons and their spouses, Thomas and Judy Spavins of Arlington, VA, James and Cinda Spavins of North Stonington, CT and John Spavins of Queens, NY; treasured grandchildren James Spavins, Elizabeth Spavins, Jennifer Holme (spouse Luca) and Rebecca Spavins, as well as her two joyous great-grandchildren – Dimitri and Vivian, with whom she frequently Face Timed. Mrs. Spavins was the oldest resident of the Plattdeutsch Home Society in Franklin Square, NY. The family wishes to express their deep gratitude to the staff, especially Sabatri Morsony who was her principal caregiver, but really her good friend. The family would also like to recognize the skill and compassion of the Northwell/LIJ Valley Stream Hospital staff. Services will be at the Leahy-McDonald Funeral Home, Richmond Hill, on Thursday November 16 from 4 to 8 PM and a Mass at OLPH Catholic Church at 9:30 on Friday.