Elaine Templeton Obituary

Elaine Jeanette Templeton

Elaine was born in the Polish village of North Toledo on April 23, 1943, to Virginia and Roman Gralak. She attended St. Hedwig Grade School in the same neighborhood and Central Catholic High School, after which she attended classes at Mary Manse College. She lived most of her adult life in Michigan where she was employed as a system engineer for AT&T and enjoyed many new life-long friendships. Most recently, she returned to Ohio, residing in Findlay to be near her brother and sister-in-law. She died Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022, at Sunrise of Findlay with family close by.

Elaine had an adventurous spirit and in adulthood challenged herself to learning new skills and partaking in unique, once in a life-time experiences. A forever love affair with water activities drove her to become a certified deep sea scuba diver. With this new skill in hand, she dove many times in the deep Caribbean waters and in exotic places like Tahiti to enjoy the underwater beauty and sea life. She swam not only with dolphins, but also with manatees off the coast of Florida loving every minute with these magnificent sea creatures. Rounding out her water adventures was a seven-day raft trip through the Grand Canyon, sleeping in the open and navigating white water with the help of a tour guide.

Another long-time interest Elaine exhibited was an interest in alternative medicine techniques which led her to study and take classes in reflexology, iridology, and massage therapy. A second compelling interest of Elaine was the art of American Indians and to a lesser degree, Egyptian art, which accounts for her collection of American Indian and Egyptian artifacts and paintings.

Elaine was preceded in death by her parents; and longtime partner, Michael Riley. She will be lovingly remembered by her brother, Richard; sister-in-law, Jean; nieces, Jeanine (Frank) Kupes and Andrea (Mike) May; nephew, Aaron (Michele) Gralak; seven great-nieces and great-nephews with whom she enjoyed celebrating every holiday; and also by her best friend, Kathy Johnson, with whom she shared so many years of companionship.

Mass of Christian burial will be offered for Elaine 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2022, at St. Michael Downtown Church with Father Adam Hertzfeld celebrating, with burial immediately following at St. Michael Cemetery in Findlay. Those wishing to remember Elaine, please consider a contribution to The City Mission of Findlay or Cherry Street Mission in Toledo. COLDREN-CRATES FUNERAL HOME assisted family with arrangements and online condolences can be shared at coldrencrates.com.