Elaine (O'Connell) Stokes died peacefully at home surrounded by her family on August 19, 2012.

Elaine was born to Francis and Phoebe O'Connell of Simpson, MN.  She was the 4 ^th child of 16 children.  She grew up on the family farm and graduated from Lourdes High School.  She married Lloyd Stokes on October 13, 1947.  Lloyd died in 1986.  In March 1991, Elaine and Willard Wade had their union blessed at St. Mary's Church in Lake City.  Willard preceded her in death earlier this year. Elaine retired from the Mayo Clinic where she worked in the Media Lab.  She enjoyed visiting with family and friends, cooking, gardening and the companionship of Chester (her dog).  Her house was always open for a cup of coffee, some cookies or banana bread, and lots of conversation.  Friends were often gifted with apple pies.  Her pot roast was a work of art.

She is survived by four children: Connie Perry (Allen) of Grand Rapids,  Minnesota; Tom Stokes of Rochester; John (Mary Lou) Stokes of Rochester; Rita Krupp (Mark) of Carlsbad, California and four grandchildren:  Bonnie Stokes, Sara Blouin, Adam Krupp and Sarah Gariety.  Elaine is also survived by her sisters: Sister Conal (O'Connell), Theresa Helgerson, Rosella Jech, Phoebe Whistler, Marlene Towey and by her brother, Charles O'Connell.  She is preceded in death by her parents and nine siblings.

A Funeral Mass will be held for Elaine at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, August 23, 2012 in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home with Rev. Paul Nelson officiating. A visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, August 22, 2012 at the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home and one hour prior to the Mass.   Burial will be in St. Bridget's Cemetery in Simpson, MN (2123 County Road 16 SE Rochester, 55902)

Memorials are suggested to the St. Bridget's Cemetery Association.