Elaine Cosgrove Humphreys

Elaine Cosgrove Humphreys, beloved mother, wife, sister, and friend, passed into God’s arms on December 2, 2024.  She died peacefully in the Sun Towers apartment she loved, under Hospice Care. 

She was born December 19, 1925 in Malone, NY, so just missed her 99th birthday.  Her parents were James and Helen Parker Cosgrove. She was predeceased by her husband Robert, and daughter Joan Humphreys of New York City, and is survived by her daughter Karen of Sun City Center, grandson Samuel Ettorre of New York City, brother James and sister-in-law Mary Ann of Sun City Center, and Carol McCarten of Daytona Beach. 

Elaine was proud of her career as a dental hygienist, having graduated from Eastman Dental School in Rochester, NY.  Many interesting discussions with dentists!  In 1950 she married Robert (Bob) Humphreys and their marriage lasted 55 years until his death in 2006.  They started their lives together in Schenectady, NY where Bob worked for General Electric.  Subsequent moves took them to Waynesboro, VA  and Arlington, VA (where they lived in the infamous Watergate apartments) but they spent many happy years in Erie, PA, where they raised their 2 children. In Erie she took on a 2nd career as a jewelry expert at Dahlkemper's Catalog Showroom where she excelled at diamonds.  Many returning customers! She was active in the grade school PTA, loved to bowl, and learned to be creative in arts and crafts, including ceramics and knitting and crocheting. 

In 1987 Elaine and Bob retired to Sun City Center, FL, first in a villa, then in Independent Living at Aston Gardens.  Elaine learned to play golf and bridge, the latter with many partners and devotion to the game.  She was always trying to keep her brain active, and she did for many years. 

Elaine was a member of Prince of Peace Catholic Church throughout her life in Sun City Center and had a tremendous love of God and neighbor.  She was always the first to volunteer to help whoever needed it, from Meals on Wheels, to driving friends to appointments, to cooking fabulous meals. 

The last few years were a real challenge from her serious car accident in 2017 and her long recovery, to the loss of her daughter in 2022.  Through it all, and her last 7 years in a wheelchair, she never complained, and was a joy to her physical and occupational therapists, Sun Towers nurses and aides, doctors, bingo companions and of course family and friends. Although not walking on earth, we are sure she is dancing in heaven.

Funeral Mass will be held at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 702 Valley Forge Blvd, Sun City Center FL on January 16, 2025 at 10 AM. The service will be live streamed on the Prince of Peace website at popcc.org. Celebration of Life immediately afterwards at the Renaissance Club, 2121 S. Pebble Beach Drive, Sun City Center FL (light appetizers). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to LifePath Hospice.