Elaine (Thomas) Lapham

On April 10th, 2021, Elaine Lapham, loving mother and Nana passed away at the age of 95. Elaine was born on June 1st, 1925 in Ashtabula, Ohio to the late Joseph and Mabel Thomas. She graduated from Edgewood High School on May 26th, 1943 and went on to get her Bachelor of Science in chemistry from Miami University of Ohio.
She was working for Diamond Alkali in Painesville, Ohio, when she met her late husband, Clyde “Bud” Lapham. They raised four children, Barbara, Diann, Bill, and Jon. After starting their family, Elaine went back to school to get a second Bachelor of Science in education from Kent State University. She worked as a teacher at Chestnut Elementary in Ashtabula until she retired. She and Clyde were very active members in their church, East Side Presbyterian Church in Ashtabula, until they moved from the area in 2012.
Elaine had a strong faith that was the foundation of everything she did. She loved her family, church community, knitting, and watching live sporting events. She never knew a stranger and was always willing to help in any way she could. She was known for her empathetic spirit and her heart to see others succeed. The cornerstone of her family, she was happiest when everyone was together. She always had the right words to say that made you feel seen. A woman whose strong prayer life paved ways, shaped hearts, and covered many. She ran her race with incredible grace and the seeds she planted along the way will be harvested for generations to come.
Elaine was preceded in death by her in-laws Clyde and Frankie Lapham, her husband Clyde “Bud” Lapham, and her son Jon Lapham. She is survived by her children, Barbara Gillespie, Diann Priest (husband, Randy Priest), Bill Lapham (wife, Carol Lapham), daughter in law, Sally Lapham, cousin, Pauline Bowlus,  grandchildren; Mariah Goodin (husband Dustin Goodin), Chelsie Carson (husband Tim Carson), Elizabeth Baker (husband Nash Baker), Joseph Lapham (wife Gretchen Lapham), Jessica Hricovec (husband Jarred Hricovec), Courtnie Lapham, Thomas Lapham and great grandchildren; Remington and Aubree Goodin, Adaline and Jace Carson, William and Jack Lapham, and Amelia Hricovec.

A Memorial Service will be Saturday (July 3rd) at 12:00 pm at the East Side Presbyterian Church, 3440 Edgewood Dr. Ashtabula. Visitation will be from 11:00 am until the time of service at the church.  Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Central Ohio, 2269 Cherry Valley Rd SE, Newark, OH 43055.  Or to a charity of your choice.

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