Elaine Louise Guidi

Elaine Louise Guidi (Kusek), 91, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on June 21st, at St. Anthony's Hospital in Gig Harbor. Elaine was born on April 23, 1933 to Frank and Della Kusek. Elaine and her family resided in Tacoma, WA. then moved to Eatonville, WA. her sophomore year in high school. She graduated from Eatonville High School in 1951. Elaine married Arthur Guidi on July 18, 1953. They resided in Long Beach, CA. where she worked as a typist for the North American Aviation Company in Downing, CA. Their first son, David, was born in Long Beach in 1955. In 1956, the family moved to Bellingham, WA. where Elaine was a homemaker. Their daughter, Linda, was born in Bellingham in 1958 and in 1961, Belfair, WA. became Elaine's lifelong home. In 1964, Gregg was born in Bremerton. For over 20+ years, Elaine baked and made icing for the cakes of almost every special occasion in Belfair. She worked many years during Mason County elections at the local poll site in Belfair. Elaine enjoyed her T.O.P.S .meetings where chocolate was shared, laughter could be heard, exchanging gifts and making word search puzzles with her friends became traditions.

She faithfully attended St. Gabriel's Catholic Church in Port Orchard every Sunday with Sylvia Lane and ALL the kids. Later in life, Elaine and Art attended The Prince of Peace in Belfair. Elaine's favorite pastime was watching her family excel at sports. Didn't matter the sport or the day she was supporting you all the way, even yelling 'Guidi you suck' from the stands, keeping her own score cards and covering her eyes when the game was on the line. As the kids moved out, Elaine began cleaning houses around Hood Canal. She may have been hired to be your cleaning lady, but she quickly became part of your family. She cared deeply for each of her 'cleaning' families. Elaine could not resist a good sale but her shopping always had a purpose; to give to others. " You aren't taking it with you." Art and Elaine gave generously to their family and their community.

Elaine cherished living on the north shore of Hood Canal. Her lifelong friends were made there and the visiting summer clans made for many glorious summer memories that are still reminisced about today. She loved and dreaded putting 1,000 piece puzzles together with Ethel Messner and continued to enjoy 300 piece puzzles with family.

Elaine never missed an episode of Days of Our Lives and would have a ball replaying the soap opera drama with friends and family.

She generously gave the dahlias, raspberry freezer jam and ripe tomatoes to family and friends. She spent many days reading Mary Higgins Clark and Debbie MaComber books. She was thrilled to meet Mrs. MaComber at her tea house.

Elaine enjoyed her travels to Alaska, Italy, Arizona, Las Vegas, Maui, Texas, and the East Coast. She cherished her paintings from her friends, blizzards, ice cream and above all, "beautiful creamy chocolate". She disliked cussing, the word 'hate' and was terrified of snakes. Elaine was funny, sassy, generous and loyal, as evident by putting up with Art for 70 + years of marriage.

Elaine was preceded in death by her sister Barbara and oldest son David. Elaine is survived by her husband, Arthur, daughter Linda (Jon), daughter in law Elaine, son Gregg (Debbie), granddaughter Amanda, grandson Zachary (Lacy), granddaughter Riley (Nick), great grandsons Gunner and Pryor, great granddaughter Maeve.

In lieu of flowers, make a donation to your favorite charity.

Please join the family for an open house reception on Sunday July 7th, 2024 at Rill's Life Tribute Center (1151 Mitchell Ave Port Orchard, WA 98366) to share memories and food. Stop by anytime 12pm-3pm.