Obituary for Mary Eloise Alkire
Mary Eloise (McLaughlin) Alkire
Mary Eloise (McLaughlin) Alkire, 88, of Chesapeake, VA was called to her heavenly home on January 22, 2024. She was born in Morgantown, West Virginia, on October 19, 1935. She was the daughter of the late Hubert and Hazel (Guthrie) McLaughlin, and sister to the late Lynn G. McLaughlin.
Eloise was a Graduate of Fairmont State College, now University, with a degree in teaching music. She taught at Mannington Central Schools, WV, Anne Arundel Schools in MD, and North Stonington Christian Academy in CT. She was also a church choir director at Trinity Lutheran Church, in Ashaway, RI for many years. She also helped out with piano and singing at Groton Bible Chapel. After retiring with her husband James E. Alkire in Pulaski, VA, she helped with playing the piano, Sunday School, and Vacation Bible School at Grace Brethren Church in Fairlawn, VA.
Eloise was predeceased by her husband and best friend of 66 years, James E. Alkire this past August of 2023.
She is survived by her two children James D. Alkire, and wife Leslie, and Beth Sorenson (Alkire) and husband Rev. Matt Sorenson; six grandchildren, Madeline Alkire, Aslan Alkire, Olivia Alkire, Jeremy Hvarre, Joshua Sorenson and wife Carrie, Kaitlyn Bonifaz (Sorenson) and husband Cris Bonifaz; and one great-granddaughter, Charlotte Eloise Bonifaz.
Eloise loved her Lord Jesus and loved teaching all children about him with her gift of music in songs, stories, and the abundant love and care she gave to all. She enjoyed cooking for her family and was well known for her lasagne and pecan pies. Everyone was welcome at her table.
A service to celebrate her life will be held at Graham Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 1112 Kempsville Rd. Chesapeake on Friday, January 26, 2024 at 6:00 P.M with Pastor Matthew Sorenson officiating. She will be laid to rest privately with her husband at Albert G. Horton Jr., Memorial State Veterans Cemetery. Please visit www.grahamfuneralhome.com to view the service if unable to attend and to leave a condolence to the family.
Mary Eloise (McLaughlin) Alkire, 88, of Chesapeake, VA was called to her heavenly home on January 22, 2024. She was born in Morgantown, West Virginia, on October 19, 1935. She was the daughter of the late Hubert and Hazel (Guthrie) McLaughlin, and sister to the late Lynn G. McLaughlin.
Eloise was a Graduate of Fairmont State College, now University, with a degree in teaching music. She taught at Mannington Central Schools, WV, Anne Arundel Schools in MD, and North Stonington Christian Academy in CT. She was also a church choir director at Trinity Lutheran Church, in Ashaway, RI for many years. She also helped out with piano and singing at Groton Bible Chapel. After retiring with her husband James E. Alkire in Pulaski, VA, she helped with playing the piano, Sunday School, and Vacation Bible School at Grace Brethren Church in Fairlawn, VA.
Eloise was predeceased by her husband and best friend of 66 years, James E. Alkire this past August of 2023.
She is survived by her two children James D. Alkire, and wife Leslie, and Beth Sorenson (Alkire) and husband Rev. Matt Sorenson; six grandchildren, Madeline Alkire, Aslan Alkire, Olivia Alkire, Jeremy Hvarre, Joshua Sorenson and wife Carrie, Kaitlyn Bonifaz (Sorenson) and husband Cris Bonifaz; and one great-granddaughter, Charlotte Eloise Bonifaz.
Eloise loved her Lord Jesus and loved teaching all children about him with her gift of music in songs, stories, and the abundant love and care she gave to all. She enjoyed cooking for her family and was well known for her lasagne and pecan pies. Everyone was welcome at her table.
A service to celebrate her life will be held at Graham Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 1112 Kempsville Rd. Chesapeake on Friday, January 26, 2024 at 6:00 P.M with Pastor Matthew Sorenson officiating. She will be laid to rest privately with her husband at Albert G. Horton Jr., Memorial State Veterans Cemetery. Please visit www.grahamfuneralhome.com to view the service if unable to attend and to leave a condolence to the family.