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Elaine McAllister

August 18, 2019
Kalamazoo, MI

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Age 97. Died on Sunday, August 18, 2019. She was born on November 12, 1921 in Moline, Illinois, to William and Hazel Schneider. Elaine spent her childhood in Bettendorf Iowa. She earned a Batchelor of Arts in Economics at Coe College where she met her future husband, Lester B. McAllister, Jr., made lifelong friends, and participated in many activities including the Women's Rifle Team. After graduation she worked at Harris Trust Bank in Chicago in the Credit Analysis Trust department. Elaine married Lester upon his return from serving overseas in WWII. Their daughter, Margaret was born in 1948 in Cedar Rapids Iowa. The family settled in Beloit WI where they began a long and successful association with the College and the community. Elaine had many varied interests including fine woodworking, quilt making, gardening and reading. She was a long-time member of the League of Women Voters. She was always one of the best bridge players at the table. Elaine and Lester spent the summers at the family cabin in the Sangre de Christo mountains in Southern Colorado into their 80's. They travelled extensively including 45 countries on five continents, and 48 states. Elaine and Lester moved to Friendship Village in Kalamazoo in 1998 to be closer to their daughter and son-law, David Jackson. Elaine continued her passion for gardening, needlework, bridge and community service. She and Lester shared the Volunteer of the Year Award for 2010. Elaine very much enjoyed and appreciated the Village community. She benefited from and was pleased with the care and services she received there. Elaine is survived by her daughter, Margaret, and son in-law, David Jackson; sister-in-law, Carol Zoller; numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in passing by Lester in 2015. In accordance with her wish cremation will take place and no services are scheduled at this time. Memorial contributions may be made to Friendship Village (Friends Fund), c/o the funeral home. Family and friends may share a condolence message online at www.joldersma-klein.com.