Elaine Churchill

Elaine Panian Churchill Service - Livestream

Elaine Panian Churchill died on September 19, 2025 in her home with daughter Margaret at her side. Born on December 7, 1923, she was 101 3/4 when she died.

Preceded in death by her husband Harry, parents, John and Marcia Panian, Siblings Donald, Kathryn, (Walt), George, Laurie (Mel).

Survived by brother Johnny, children, Mary, Kay, Paul (Vicki), Pamela, Grandson Zackary (Chelsea) Vaccarro, Great grandson Jude.

Elaine was quick witted. She had a patient countenance and a practical sensibility that others found appealing. She was a listener. Knitting? She could fix any problem! She was well informed and always paying attention to current events. Her last protest was July 18 in front of Becketwood where she participated in a Good Trouble protest to honor the late Rep. John Lewis. She was sharp as a tack and funny to the end.

Elaine loved Motherhood, being a School secretary, Leading Girl Scout Troop 14, and being friend to many. After Harry died in 1979, she moved to Arizona since they considered retiring there. She spent 25 years in Phoenix with a robust circle of friends and a range of activities including golfing, hiking and tap dancing. And travel! She traveled to Barcelona, Spain with the Forever Young Dancers to dance at the World's Fair. Walkabouts took a trip to the Passion Play in Germany and to hike Paris. She toured Australia while she visited Margaret. And many more destinations.

She returned to the Twin Cities at age 75. She moved into Becketwood, a community of spirited, wise members. The Bridge games were constant, having several different kinds to play - Duplicate, Party, Rubber and Chicago - she was a whiz at all of them. She lived fully independently during most years at Becketwood. She decided to learn how to play the ukulele at age 99 and 1/2. She needed a little support with shopping etc., and was able to live on her own until the very end.

Elaine entered home hospice care a couple years before she died. The staff at North Memorial Hospice are excellent, and we are grateful for the very fine care she received. She was alert and playful until a few hours before passing through the veil, as the Irish say. She would call it a "good death" and we are content with that.

Mass of Christian Burial to be held on Saturday, September 27th at St Bernard's (187 Geranium Ave. W, St. Paul) Visitation at 9:30am, Mass at 10:30am.