“Love each other and be happy.” This is the essence of how Elaine lived her life.
If ever there was a lady who brought a sparkle of love to the world, it was Elaine McKenna. “McKenna Magic” began from the moment she met the love of her life, Bob, who on their first date while attending Salem State told Elaine that he was going to marry her. That magic extended to a very special bond that Elaine shared with Bob’s three brothers Billy, Dick, and Jake.
A beautiful woman, her beauty came from all the love she had on the inside for others. Whether it was hosting karaoke parties on Thanksgiving or showing kindness to kids who would pass by her house on their way to Forest River Park, Elaine was the person who made an everlasting impression. People would frequently say that from the first time meeting Elaine they felt her genuine kindness. Elaine could often be seen doing errands around Salem blasting the song Dancing Queen in her “Maui Wowie McAwesome” Cadillac with eyelashes above the headlights. She would make friends with everyone during her cruising which included bank tellers at Eastern Bank, cashiers at the local Dollar Store and Steve’s Market, as well as all the familiar faces at CVS. She always wore a friendly and contagious smile which was a gift to all who met her.
Mrs. Elaine (Dallaire) McKenna died peacefully Sunday, May 10 at Salem hospital with family by her side. She was the daughter of the late Laurie and Tillie (Moriarty) Dallaire. She was raised and educated in Salem. Elaine enjoyed working for many years as a librarian at the Salem Law Library and later as a van driver for the Salem Council on Aging. Elaine truly loved life while possessing an adventurous spirit. She loved rollercoasters, theater, dancing, and playing games. She was a huge fan of basketball especially while watching Bob’s teams compete over his 30 years of coaching. There were very few things that brought her as much joy as following her children and grandchildren play hoop.
Traveling to Hawaii and Bermuda with Bob were some of her more memorable trips as well as some unforgettable times with her daughter Kathy throughout Europe.
She is survived by her five children: Bob, Jr. and his wife Nan, Susan Munroe and her husband Mike, Kathryn, Michael, and Billy and his wife Jennifer; sisters Jean Durkee and Lee Hughes, brother Laurie Dallaire. She was also the proud grandmother of seven grandchildren who adored their grandmother more than words can say.
The family will receive visitors for a celebration of Elaine’s life at her home located at 45 Summit Avenue in Salem on Thursday May 14 from 4-8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, you may donate to The Angel Fund for ALS located at 649 Main Street Wakefield, MA 01880 or www. theangelfund.org. For guestbook, please visit www.LevesqueFunerals.com