Elaine was born at home, on the farm, in Sullivan Township on August 4, 1944 to parents Gordon and Hilda (Krueger) Albright. Unfortunately, older brother Carl (1942) passed away prior to her birth but before long the Albright home was filling up with the arrivals of Lois (1945), Howard (1948), Irene (1950), Wallace (1952), Joyce (1955), Ronnie (1960), Sharon (1962) and Randy (1965). Elaine and her siblings attended S.S. #11 in Mooresburg but she did not pursue high school.
At the age of 14, Elaine moved to Desboro to help the Folkerson family operate the Desboro General Store. She spent some time working in the store but mainly helped care for their young family. The money was sent home to help her parents and younger siblings. By 18, Elaine had relocated to Durham to work at the veneer plant (formerly known as Interforest). At this time, she and her sister, Lois, both worked and boarded together. It was here, while working, that Elaine was re-introduced to a young man by the name of John Robert Golem. John and Elaine knew each other from a young age, as they attended St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Sullivan together. Once in school, they were at opposite ends of the Peabody – Moorseburg rivalry. However, they were quick to rekindle their relationship and they soon began dating. A short time later they were married at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Sullivan on May 8, 1965. Once married, the young couple moved several times (8 in fact) during their first three years of marriage, following work, before purchasing a farm on Sideroad 5 in Sullivan Township. The year was 1968. Elaine became a mother that year as well, with the arrival of their daughter CherylAnn.
Elaine soon returned to work grading eggs at the Chesley Creamery. Then she worked at the fish hatchery outside of Chatsworth for a few years before returning to Interforest for an additional twenty years until her health forced her to retire. When not busy at work, she was working hard at home on the farm or supporting her family in some way. In fact, Elaine always put the needs of others first. She could be often seen driving her mother or siblings around and helping out whenever possible. When the grandchildren arrived she and John enjoyed spending any extra time with them, driving to a variety of baseball and hockey games through the years. Elaine also loved reading to her grandchildren, as well as playing games with them, particularly Yahtzee. A common road trip with the kids was to Storybook Park, and she was their chauffeur yearly to Vacation Bible School, sometimes even two a summer. Her encouragement did not end there as Elaine also was a big supporter of the Desboro Fall Fair. For twenty plus years, one of Elaine’s grandchildren won the top child’s award, as she encouraged them to prepare something for every category, helped fill out tickets, and set out their entries for the yearly event.
In 1974, John, Elaine, and CherylAnn moved to a farm on Concession 8. This would remain their home for the next 42 years. When not busy helping others Elaine enjoyed curling and mowing the lawn. In fact, I am told she was quite particular when it came to her grass cuts and on occasion was seen on the lawn tractor multiple times a week! Elaine was also extremely active within her church. Through the years she was involved with many, many different events and held a variety of different roles. In addition to being on the church council, she taught Sunday school, was a member of the Women’s League, and assisted in a variety of fundraising events like the fish fry and sauerkraut supper. She was also an active member of the Sulli-Willi group, enjoying the friendships, bingo, miniature golf, and conversation along the way.
In their younger years, Elaine and John enjoyed attending all the local dances. CherylAnn also recalls the occasional house party, whereby family and neighbours would gather at the Golem home for a night of fun and maybe the odd drink. Elaine also loved her cards, with Canasta, Euchre, and Solo being some of her favourites. She was a big Blue Jay fan, tuning into the games whenever she could. She also loved her game shows, with The Price is Right, Wheel of Fortune, and Family Feud being favourites. Although not much for traveling, she and John went west a few times through the years to visit family. Back at home, she entertained herself with a variety of crosswords, word searches, and absolutely loved her cats. The Golem family always had a house cat and usually more than their fair share of them outside, in the barn, that Elaine enjoyed feeding and caring for. When it came to having a meal out, Elaine and John had their staple, K _ t _ _ e _. A hint: It is located just north of Chatsworth. The Golems were known by name here, and on occasion ate more than one meal here daily. The running joke was that they had a part interest in the business! 🙂 Elaine also loved to read, with Harlequin Romances being her preference. In fact, she read so many of them in recent years she struggled to find books she had not already read, especially since she now needed them in large print.
Elaine was a loving, caring woman who I am told could also be a bit stubborn (aren’t we all?). However, more importantly, she was a true caregiver for family and friends alike and always worried about the needs of others first. She enjoyed a strong faith and never dwelled on the negatives. CherylAnn remembers her mom reinforcing to her from a young age that life was not easy, and that she was going to need to work hard every day. Thankfully, Elaine enjoyed many good times with her family and friends through the years and these stories and memories will live on in all of us for years to come.
Sadly, Elaine passed away suddenly at Grey Bruce Health Services, Owen Sound on Saturday, December 5, 2020 in her 77th year.
Cherished mother of CherylAnn Golem (Brian Kotaba) of R.R. #4 Chesley and grandmother of Wyatt, Skylar (Will McNabb) Caitlyn (Nathan O’Hagan) and Zach (Sam Child). Loving sister of Irene (Wes) Fenton of R.R. #1 Desboro, Joyce (Howard) Hodgson of Chesley, Sharon (Ted) Fritsch, Randy (Lisa) Albright, all of R.R. #1 Chesley and sister-in-law of Gloria Albright of R.R. #4 Chesley. Elaine will be missed by the entire Albright and Golem families. She was predeceased by her husband John (2014), brothers Ronnie, Howard, Wallace and Carl, sister Lois (Jim) Copeland, and her parents Gordon and Hilda (Krueger) Albright.
The love and support of family, friends, and the community is so important at times like this, and even more so when we are not encouraged to gather to support one another. Please leave a detailed condolence, a favourite story, or a way Elaine touched your life – something that can be treasured by her family in the days and weeks ahead. If you would like to provide Elaine’s family with a picture or video, please email it to [email protected]. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, private family services will be held. A recording of Elaine’s funeral service will be posted on the Rhody Family Funeral Home website following the service. Interment in St. Peter’s Lutheran Cemetery, Sullivan Township.
Memorial donations to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.
