Elaine
Furman Kirkpatrick (née Shattuck), 83, of Fairfax, Vt.,
passed away unexpectedly on June 13, 2024, surrounded by her loving
family.
Born
on January 3, 1941, Elaine was raised in Pepperell, Mass., by her
parents Forrest and Marion Shattuck, and was the youngest of her
three sisters, Patricia, Barbara and Sally. After graduating
from Pepperell High, she attended UMass Amherst, where she met and
married her first husband, Anatol Furman. With a BA in math and
while raising two children, the family settled in Fairfax in
1969. Elaine taught math at Bellows Free Academy Fairfax for nearly
20 years.
It
was 1975 when Elaine met the love of her life, Robert Kirkpatrick, a
man of exceptional character with five children of his own. The two
moved to Fountain Hills, Ariz., in 1989, where they tied the knot,
and returned to Fairfax in 1996.
A
lifelong accordion player, she entertained at home until the
accordion wore out. Elaine loved line dancing and carousing with the
Red Hat ladies. Fiercely independent, she loved spending time at home
alone reading or just enjoying the view.
She
lived a life of service to the community through
her involvement with the United Church of Fairfax, Order of
the Eastern Star, the historical society, cemetery association,
senior citizens, retired teachers and others.
Elaine
is predeceased by her husband Bob, her parents and sisters. She is
survived by her children, Natalie Nelson (Easton) and Geoffrey
(Alethea Coulter); her stepchildren, Bill (Linda), Robert (Jane),
Jean Kirkpatrick Blake (Ernie), Thomas (Sui), James (Steven); and
many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Visiting
hours will be held on Friday, June 28, 2024, from 5–7 p.m., at A.
W. Rich Funeral Home Fairfax Chapel. A funeral service will be held
at the United Church of Fairfax on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at 11
a.m., with Reverend Katherine Arthaud officiating. Inurnment will
follow in the family lot in Sanderson Corners Cemetery.
Memorial
contributions in Elaine’s memory can be made to the United Church of Fairfax, c/o Sally Sweet, Treas., 44 Sweet-Slattery Rd., East Fairfield, VT 05448. Please visit awrfh.com to share your memories and
condolences.
This article appears in Jun 12-18, 2024.