Born in Edmonton, Elaine (nee Holdal) grew up in a one-room log cabin in the Okanagan where her dad was a logger. She eventually became a school teacher, beloved by her many students. Her first job was in a one-room school house in Winfield, BC where she taught all 8 grades.
In 1958 Elaine married Bill Pappajohn and they made their home in New Westminster. Over the years they travelled the world staying in many exotic locations. In the 1970s they starred in a religious TV show that was broadcast weekly across North America. Together with their children, Lori and Bob, they waterskied, hiked, snow skied, camped, boated, travelled and had many fun times. Elaine was renowned for her delicious vegetarian cooking especially her 5-course meals with almost weekly dinners for up to 10 people served on fine china and crystal. She was a real mover and shaker, loving to organize and execute events which she did with lightening speed. Elaine had great sympathy for the less fortunate and helped many people in their walk through life.
She and Bill were enthusiastic supporters of their Westminster Seventh-day Adventist Church as well as serving on the boards of a number of Adventist outreach projects. They both worked at Bill’s business, M & P Mercury Sales, into their 80s.
Elaine passed away at home, peacefully in her sleep after a life well-lived. She was just a few weeks shy of her 89th birthday. Bill died in 2018. Elaine is survived by daughter Lori, son Bob and his wife Anya and children Emily and Ari, her brothers Robert and George and their wives Marlene and Rose. Her sister Gladys predeceased her. Elaine was especially grateful for her caregivers Bella Dizon and Clarisse Labiran.
In lieu of flowers and cards, Elaine's request was for donations to a project dear to her and Bill's hearts -- Silver Hills Guest House (a health retreat), 125 Squaw Valley Rd, Lumby BC V0E 2G6 or donate through the website: www.silverhills.ca
A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, Sept. 30 at 2:00 p.m. ,at Westminster Seventh-day Adventist Church.