Elaine Alice POWNALL

Elaine Alice Pownall went to her heavenly home on Friday, March 1, 2013. Elaine was born on April 13, 1923, in Providence, Rhode Island the daughter of Harold B. Pownall and Alice (Schaffer) Pownall. Burial will be in the North Burial Grounds in Providence, Rhode Island. A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Flint on Thursday, March 7, 2013 at 3:00pm, Pastor Paul Ytterock officiating. Elaine graduated from High School in Providence, Rhode Island in 1944. After graduation she went to work for the Boy Scouts in Providence for several years and then went on to spend several years with the Rhode Island Council of Churches. In 1960 she was asked to come to Flint to serve as secretary to the newly appointed director of the Flint Council whom she had previously known in Rhode Island. Her intent was to come to Flint for a couple of years but she got involved with many activities and finally retired after 28 years of service in 1988. Elaine was very involved in the Masonic Order starting in her teen years in Rhode Island. During her years in Flint, she served in many positions including High Priestess, El Said Court #28 of the Ladies Oriental Shrine of North America, captain of their Patrol team, a marching unit, and was a past president of the Great Lakes Unit. She also served as Worthy Matron of Eastern Star Chapter #138 as well as serving for many years their Ruth Chair. Elaine was an Elder at First Presbyterian Church of Flint and a member of the Bishop Sunday School Class. She served as a Peer Councilor in the Gerholz Christian Counseling Center for several years following her retirement. For many years she has been associated with Church Women United, serving in several capacities of leadership. Elaine was also a volunteer at Crossroads Village and was instrumental in moving the Coldwater Chapel into the village while she was employed at the Council of Churches. After retirement Elaine spent her summers on Martha's Vineyard at the family cottage that her grandfather built in the campground at Vineyard Haven. During the summers on the island she spent her days on the beach with her summer friends, some of whom she had grown up with or sitting on her front porch with her cat watching the tourist. Every Sunday would find her singing in the Tabernacle Choir. She especially enjoyed visits from her Michigan friends during the summer months and had a great time showing them "HER" island. A time that she liked to share was when "This Old House" filmed a segment out in front of her cottage which was built in 1868. Elaine is survived by her kitty companion, Kristin and the many friends she has made during her lifetime. She is preceded in death by her parents. Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Genesee County or First Presbyterian Church of Flint. Her friends would like to thank Doctor Perez and the staff at Kith Haven for the special care they gave Elaine this past year.

Funeral Service

Thursday, March 7, 2013 3:00 PM
First Presbyterian Church of Flint
746 S Saginaw St Flint 48502, United States