Elaine G. Hooke

Elaine G. Hooke, 91, passed away peacefully of natural causes on January 19, 2026 in Menifee, California. She was born on May 12, 1934, in New York, the daughter of Delmer and Lillian (Sharp) Goodrich and sister to twin brothers Del Jr. and Roger Goodrich. Elaine’s journey through life was marked by her unwavering commitment to her family, friends, her career and a variety of interests.

Elaine attended schools in Rock City, Selkirk and Chatham, graduating from Chatham High School in 1952. She went on to make her mark graduating from Union University School of Nursing as a Registered Nurse in 1955. She practiced in both the maternity and men’s wards at Albany Medical Center. Throughout her career she strove to provide compassionate care.

In 1959, just 4 months after a blind double date with a “Brit” arranged by her brother, she married Ramon (Ray) Hooke at St Peter’s Presbyterian Church in Spencertown. Elaine left nursing for a year to manage the new Royalton Hotel in Hudson with her new husband but returned to nursing until motherhood redirected her focus. They had homes in Chatham Center and Valatie before a job transfer took them to Tustin, California. There Elaine continued working at a nursing home but found the greatest satisfaction caring for her private duty patients. She retired when Ray died in a tragic accident. Determined to support, educate and provide a stable home for her girls, she persevered. Eventually she sold her home to buy a single story in Yorba Linda, CA suitable to care for her ailing parents. At age 80 she had the forethought to join her youngest daughter and family in Menifee.

Family and friends were the cornerstones of Elaine's life. She lived to celebrate the milestones of her loved ones, including her two beloved daughters and her grandchildren. She supported her girls throughout life; guiding them through relationships and pregnancy, babysitting, and simply being available for a conversation or a laugh. She never missed a birthday or an anniversary. She found immense joy in her role as “Gramma”, a title she wore with pride; and she delighted in the growth of her three young great grandsons to whom she was “GiGi”. Each member of her family brought her unwavering happiness and love, and she cherished every moment spent together.

Elaine had a profound love for home arts, family history, animals, and sports. As a young woman Elaine rode horses and enjoyed dancing. Dogs were a constant in her life. She rarely missed an Angels or Lakers game. She was an occasional hobbyist: sewing, crafting, refinishing furniture and watercolor painting. She even wrote poetry for friends showcasing her humor. Her interest in genealogy and regional history made her a respected local historian, who relished sharing stories that connected her community to its roots. She contributed to the Chatham Press and recently published her life story.

She forged lasting friendships as a reliable neighbor, an active supporter of her high school and university alumni associations, and a Red Hat member. She embraced every opportunity to connect, laugh, and create memories with those around her. She was known to send flowers “just because”. As her mobility declined she utilized her iPad daily: messaging and sharing photos with family and friends, researching, reading news, and playing word puzzles.

Elaine’s spirit of giving was exemplified in her service to various organizations, reflecting her desire to contribute positively to her community, especially Chatham.

Elaine is survived by her two daughters Julie Montgomery and husband Rob of Chino Hills, CA; and Stacey Yeary and husband Kris of Menifee, CA; her five grandchildren: Nicole, Ashley, Sarah, Erin and Brian; three great grandsons: Liam, Merrick and Jett; and her brother Roger Goodrich of Tennessee. She was predeceased by her husband of 26 years in 1985, her brother Del Goodrich Jr. in 2022 and nephew Scott Goodrich in 2025.

A time for sharing memories and offering condolences will be on Friday, February 27, 2026 from 10:00 to 11:00am, at which time a brief prayer service will be held at French, Gifford, Preiter & Blasl Funeral Home, 25 Railroad Avenue, Chatham. Burial will follow at Ghent Union Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations in Elaine’s memory may be made to the Chatham Village Historical Society, PO Box 270, Chatham NY 12037 or the American Red Cross.