Elaine Stelter Lunt



I loved John Barbato’s comment!  I too, found Elaine to be a rock:  accepting, non-judgmental, and always ready for a quick or endless chat.  For years, she, Richard Clegg, and I circled each other in those little offices in the back hall, and Elaine’s was one place I knew I could go to blow off steam, puzzle through tough issues, or just lay back and have a good old belly laugh.

As some of you might be aware, during my years at Maryland I was raising Adriano (with his gifts and deficits), completing a B.S., and an M.S., and struggling to build a nest egg that would span two lifetimes.  Elaine was a great listener and had a way of pointing out the sharp edges of my reasoning. She was always so kind.  And she was funny.  And never let it be said that she didn’t like a good old fashioned gossip every once in a while!

It has been such a long time, but her sweet face was unforgettable.  I was glad I got to chat with her when I was at the reunion in…was it 2017?  That long ago?  She was getting around in a chair and was her bright same self when we chatted.  Funnily enough, I’ve thought of her off and on through the years with affection and the knowledge that I was better for knowing her.  Bye, bye, Elaine.  We shall meet on the other side where the best people end up!

Farewell Elaine. It’s heartbreaking to hear that you are no more. Your warm personality, infectious smile and radiant grace will always occupy that enduring space in my memory. May you abide in eternal peace.