Elaine Carol Martin Whiting

Elaine Carol Martin Whiting Peacefully entered Eternal Life on Nov. 21st at the age of 88, in Franklin WI. She was preceded in death by her mother, Angeline Margaret Denig (nee) Konkel, her father, Henry Martin and her husband, Charlie Whiting who she married in 1988. Living her childhood in Kenosha, she is survived by many relatives including Suzette and Cindy Martin, and dear friends Jane Schneider, Ann Baer and Lynette Blaser. Elaine was a valiant woman and lived as a deeply committed Catholic Christian and nurse. She was a life-long member of the 3rd Order of St. Francis. As a polio survivor, Elaine loved to pray, participate in Bible study groups, read, learn, play piano, paint, play Bingo, travel, and enjoy people. A Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated on Monday, November 30th at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 3722 S. 58th, St. Milwaukee, WI (please use the east entrance to the church) at 11:00, visitation at 10:00, burial to follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Memorials may be sent to Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church or the Hunger Task Force. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Clifden Ct. Assisted Living, the St. Croix Hospice staff, and Barbara Collins at Milw. Co. Dept. of Family Care. Elaine Martin-Whiting Elaine was born in 1931. She grew up in Kenosha and Milwaukee. At age 17 months Elaine contracted Polio. this left her with a weak right side and a limp that made her fall easily. Born right-handed, she learned to use her left hand and is now ambidextrous. later she was diagnosed with epilepsy. She said, "I wanted to be an example to others that someone with a handicap could succeed in the world." and she did succeed. She credits her mother with providing her all the training she needed. She and her mother were very close: traveling the world together and visiting many religious sites like Lourdes, Fatima and seeing the Vatican in Rome. Elaine graduated from Mercy High School in Milwaukee. Early in life she joined the Third Order of St. Francis and became a Lay Franciscan. This group has been an important part of her life. Elaine is a devout Catholic. She became a Licensed Practical Nurse in 1957. She worked in Several hospitals and nursing homes throughout Milwaukee for 34 years. In 1988, she met and married her husband, Charles Whiting. Charles was fifteen years older than Elaine, and she nursed him throughout his later years. Elaine often writes her own stories. She plays piano and studies German. Her drawing skills are highly developed. She says,"I couldn't do anything when I came here (to Lake Terrace)...I never had art school. you know, they didn't teach that in those days." Written by: Ann Baer, Elaine's art teacher