Elaine A. Waldo

Elaine A. Waldo, age 94, passed away on Sunday, November 5, 2023, surrounded by love and family, both in person and with her in spirit. She was born April 5, 1929, the youngest child of Albert and Jeanne (Parker) Jossie, and grew up in Pittsville, WI.

On June 4, 1947, Elaine was united in marriage to the love of her life, Robert (Bob) Waldo at the First Congregational Church in Pittsville. Over the next 69 years, she and Bob watched their family expand from three children to seven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews and their extended families.

Elaine valued family and friends above all. Known for her quick wit, spirited nature, and well-stocked pantry and freezer full of bars, she delighted in turning an ordinary occasion into a lively gathering and welcomed anyone who dropped by. She lived by the motto, “the more, the merrier” and always had a platter of cheese and sausage at the ready.

Elaine was genuinely interested in other people and any subject that came her way and had an endless capacity for conversation. Her family likened her to a talk show host, and when introducing her to their friends, always prefaced their meeting with the warning, “now, she is going to ask you a LOT of questions.” She did not disappoint. Elaine was a force of nature all her own, and you never walked away bored from your time with her . . . and seldom without having had something to eat.

In her earlier years, Elaine enjoyed globetrotting with her husband Bob. She also dedicated her time to volunteering within the community and at her church, and spending time with her wide circle of friends including those at Oakwood Village, where her floor neighbors were supportive of her efforts in bringing seasonal décor to their kiosk area. By far her favorite activity though was being with family, whether it be a fancy affair or spending the day playing “chicken foot”, card games, or making a simple dinner which always seemed to turn into a feast.

Nothing is different but everything has changed. The family will immensely miss their guiding light, their rock, and their mentor. She dedicated her life to raising her children, to which they will be forever grateful.

Elaine is survived by her three children, Dan (Chris) Waldo, Tom (Dale) Waldo and Susan (Mick) Fabbri; seven grandchildren, Alison (Mike) DePaola, Kate (Todd) Springer, Andy (Kerry) Waldo, Laura Waldo, Emily (Ryan) Lawrence, Scott Fabbri, and Natalie Fabbri; and seven great-grandchildren, Rowan, Sara, Robert, Jane, Leighanne, Matt, and Ryleigh. She is also survived by many cherished nieces and nephews, including Karen (Ed) Arendt, Jim (Teresa) Jossie, and Jon (Janine) Urban. Elaine was preceded in death by her parents Albert and Jeanne Jossie, spouse Bob Waldo, and siblings Orville (Frieda) Jossie and Marge (Bud) Urban.

A memorial service to celebrate Elaine’s life will be held at Oakwood Prairie Ridge - Tree of Life Chapel, 5565 Tancho Drive, Madison WI 53718, with Chaplain Wayne Shannon officiating at 11:00 am on Saturday, November 18^th. A visitation will be held at the Tree of Life Chapel prior to the service, beginning at 10:00 am. A luncheon will take place following the service, and all are invited to join the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in memory of Elaine to the Oakwood Foundation – Oakwood Mission Support Fund through the charity’s secure website: https://www.oakwoodfoundationinc.org or mailed to Oakwood Foundation, 6209 Mineral Point Rd., Suite 200, Madison, WI 53705.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

3325 E. Washington Ave.

Madison (608) 249-6666