Elaine Mae Fought Moore, age 87, died at Marshfield Medical Center-Dickinson on Thursday, October 3, 2024, embraced by loved ones. She was born November 22, 1936, in Pontiac, Michigan, the daughter of Betty and Francis Fought, she graduated from Pontiac Central High School, class of 1954. During her time in Pontiac, Elaine became an accomplished musician first by learning from her mother and then performing and teaching in her specialties: accordion and organ. As a young woman, she operated her own music studio.

At church, Elaine met Donald Eugene Moore, a handsome, lanky recent arrival from West Virginia, and they married. After having their first daughter, Shelley, they moved to the Lansing area so he could attend Michigan State University. While there, Elaine worked for an ophthalmologist, among whose patients was a young Stevie Wonder.

From Lansing, and with their second daughter Martha now born, they moved to Escanaba, where Elaine established herself as a great hostess and friend to many. This trend continued when the family moved to Iron Mountain a few years later, where she quickly gained a broad community of beloved friends, many of whom she treasured for the rest of her life. Returning to school at Bay de Noc, and commuting to Northern Michigan University, she completed her Bachelor's and Master's degrees and then began a career as an English teacher at Kingsford High School. Spanning more than 20 years, she was recognized as an outstanding influence by many students who kept in contact as they grew up.

During this time, Elaine and Don bought a house on Lake Anna, in Spread Eagle, Wisconsin, later moving into another location on the same lake. Elaine's great strength in interior design came into play as she and Don planned and built the home they would live in for many years. They hosted countless social events, from cocktail parties and themed dinners to holiday gatherings and lake outings — making every evening with friends a special gathering.

However, her greatest role as hostess was actually her favorite role: Grandma, or GMa, as she was called. Her two grandsons, Peter and Nick, brought her absolute joy. Many days were spent with her reading to them, doing artwork with them, or spoiling them with the famous "milkshake breakfast." Each summer's new Harry Potter release was a highlight, as she would gather the boys to her so she could read out loud to them. She loved having the boys (well, and Martha and her husband, Ric) visit their condo in Fort Myers Beach, playing in the sand and the pool.

When Don died as the result of a tragic accident in 2014, Elaine maintained her family and social connections, and especially treasured time with "her boys." In 2018, she decided that the whole family should travel together, so a European cruise was in order. She reveled in watching her family gain life experiences and participating in a significant moment in their lives.

As she slowed down a little, she moved from Lake Anna to a smaller home in Kingsford, but continued to enjoy frequent visits and meals with friends (the LOLAs) and former colleagues. Her final years found her traveling to enjoy the weddings of each grandson, and loving her new granddaughters, Michelle and Stacy. Shelley provided assistance and care for Elaine during her final years, which allowed her to live independently until her death.

Elaine will be remembered for her hospitality, love of family and friends, afternoon popcorn and wine, sense of style, and her great affinity for shopping, in all its forms.

Survivors include her daughters Shelley and Martha (Shahin), son-in-law Ric, grandson Peter Shahin and his wife Michelle Durant, grandson Nicholas Shahin and his wife Stacy; her sister, Linda Barth, and her sisters-in-law Shirley Zutaut and Kitty (Ken) Shelton, along with many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Donald, her parents Betty and Francis, and a baby sister, Bonnie Jean.

Visitation with family will occur from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 808 Carpenter Avenue, Iron Mountain. A Memorial Service will follow at 12:00 p.m. at the church.

Memorials should be directed to the Dickinson County Library (note "Elaine Moore" in check memo) or Trinity United Methodist Church, Iron Mountain.

Friends may leave condolences and tributes for Elaine's family online at www.jacobsfuneralhomes.com

The family has chosen Jacobs Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Iron Mountain, Mich., to honor Elaine's legacy of life.