Elaine Violet MacDonnell

Elaine Violet MacDonnell from Ione, CA. born to Ed Morrow and Violet (Cavagnaro) Morrow on March 1, 1925, in Camanche, CA., passed away peacefully on September 24, 2021, at the age of 96. She embraced the awaiting hand of her adoring husband James MacDonnell who preceded her in 2005. Also preceding in death were her parents, sister Laverne Clemons and son’s Jerry MacDonnell and Michael (Mick) MacDonnell. Elaine is survived by her daughter Judie Graves, son Dan MacDonnell (Peggy) and son Monte MacDonnell (Patty). She will be greatly missed by her grandchildren Jaci Knop, Julie Gold, Jeff MacDonnell, Tim MacDonnell, Christie Atnip, Jerry McCarthy, Jim McCarthy, Tina Pacheco and numerous great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. Elaine used to say: “I lost count of what Jimmy and I started”. They were most joyed in sitting back to watch the growing family gather. Elaine met Jim MacDonnell while she was still in high school. Jim was visiting a sister in Camanche before departing on an adventure to Australia. Jim never left Camanche after that meeting. They married and James, six years older than Elaine, would make her lunch every day and put her on the school bus to finish her senior year at Calaveras High. Family members said the marriage would never last, they were wrong, it lasted through 5 children and 65 happy years. Elaine was quite the cook, her passion was collecting recipes and serving her family (both immediate and extended) delicious meals and always served enough for an army even when it was only a platoon. Elaine created an array of friendships serving patrons in various restaurants in the Ione area such as: The Country Kitchen, Bills Coffee Shop and Mike’s Mexican. Her last waitress position was her favorite at the Buena Vista Saloon and Restaurant until retiring at age 75. She loved working alongside her son Mick while he was bartending. She always said she loved working and being around young people. Elaine was young at heart no matter her age with enlightened wit and humor. A private family service will be held on Thursday, October 7, 2021 with interment at the Sunset View cemetery, Jackson, CA.