Elaine Margaret Morse

Elaine Margaret Morse, 79, of Hannacroix, NY, passed away suddenly on Friday, February 24, 2023, surrounded by the love and warmth of her daughter Tori, granddaughter Makenzie, and Tori’s cherished life partner, Nathanael King. Born on November 3, 1943, in Ogdensburg, NY, Elaine was the youngest of 4 siblings. She is survived by Victoria (Tori) Morse-Keir, Makenzie Keir, Nate King, bonus granddaughter Leandra King, her sister-in-law Doris Needle, several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Of special mention is her niece Martha who would come from Virginia and help take care of her and her two best friends from High School, still getting together often, Kathy Krochina and Karen Stmartin; and lastly her family through love, Maureen McGill and Morgann Bova. She is predeceased by her parents Adelaide and Stanley Needle, and stepdad William Justin, along with her siblings Jean Voight (Hugh), Homer Needle (Margaret), Betty Beswick (Burton) and Alfred Needle. Her parents, Adalaide and Stan Needle lived on the family farm in Depyster, NY. They moved to Round Lake, NY in her teen years where her mom opened a diner and dad opened a barbershop. After graduating from Shenendehowa she went on to finishing school and modeled for a few magazine covers. Living in Burnt Hills, she worked at the Carl Company for several years having funny stories of last-minute Christmas Eve shoppers and amazing coworkers with recipes we still make. From there she moved to her dream home in Hannacroix NY, where she lived for most of her adult life. While raising Tori she worked for Cornell Cooperative Extension in Cairo, NY as a 4-H Program Aide enjoying every facet of 4-H and working with kids. Elaine finished her career with Farm Family Ins. as an Administrative Assistant, so eloquently known to employees as “The Farm”. When her Alzheimer’s had progressed, she moved in with her daughter Tori, Nate and their daughters to Athens, NY. As she wrote in a letter, Tori recently found hidden away, her best moment was the arrival of Tori and becoming a mom and then the arrival of Makenzie and becoming a grandmother, though the name Mima fit her much better. Tori would come home from school to a new mural on her wall or wake up for a school field trip to a new outfit sewn in her favorite colors. When Tori asked for a sister, she came home to a realistic life size doll sewn by her mom to cover up the vacuum. Birthdays were done to the nines with scavenger hunt maps and sleepovers. She even gave her driving tips from the race track, how hot wire a car for when she loses her keys, to be independent and always dream. Elaine loved running the 4-H club Medway Mountaineers, helping with Teen Council, and the Teen Sunday School at the Medway Church. Only she could play 18 & Life by Skid Row at Sunday School and apply it to a biblical lesson. She loved horses, car racing, dancing, bird watching, her herb gardens and time with family. She made the world beautiful not only by her presence and kindness, but her artwork, crafts, baking, cooking, decorating cakes, woodworking and sewing that decorate so many homes. Elaine was an incredibly strong and independent woman who taught herself how to build and fix just about anything. Everyone knew Elaine’s van and her handmade 70’s curtains with pom poms. It usually held a bus load of kids laughing and making memories going to some 4-H event. Her home had an open-door policy, and she would be upset if you asked for a drink. Her home was your home and you had better act like it. Her granddaughter was the joy of her life, Makenzie and her Mima had a bond like no other. Mima didn’t miss a Soccer, T-ball, Softball, or Basketball game; didn’t miss a dance recital, school event and even recently saw Makenzie’s first play. Whenever Makenzie came to her house, she always had a surprise waiting, an adventure to go on, a favorite movie or activity to do. She took her camping, to flower shows, museums, and any other adventure possible. Makenzie would call her mom and say – don’t come get me yet, we have another adventure to go on. Oh the shenanigans they had in California while Tori attended a work conference made Tori’s head spin when she got back to the hotel. Mima was always sewing or creating something she needed, buying her first desk so she had the proper place to do her homework and meeting every need she had or wanted. They are both amazing artists and loved to shop together! Mima passed on her great fashion sense to Makenzie and you will often see her sporting her jewelry and clothing. Makenzie’s biggest complaint is they are not the same size. Her love for animals was extraordinary. Whether it wandered into her yard, was found, ran into the house window or someone brought it to her, she would do her research and bring it back to health. Family called her house the mini farm because you didn’t know what would be there. She began life on her family farm and life ended while living with Tori, Makenzie, Nate and Leandra on the King family farm – Rexcroft Farm. You’d hear her say – a tractor drove through the lawn again. Jodi, who helped take care of her when needed, even brought her to the Kingston Farmers Market this past fall to see Tori and Makenzie working the farm stand. A special thank you to Joy Charniga, Jennifer Keir and most recently Jodi Corbett, who have helped her live life to the fullest in the last few years. The three of you certainly gave her some adventures, stories to keep her talking and kept love and friendship coming through the door in her time of need when we couldn’t be there. Whether it was sticking her in an air-conditioned car when the electric went out at the house, keeping her on par with medications and meals while telling her she needed the latest fashion in sneakers or bundling her up for a fun field trip. Our family is forever grateful for each of you. Rest in Peace Mom, Mima, Family and Friend. Dance up a storm, drive your hot rod, have happy hour with your siblings and hug your mom, dad and stepdad tight. A family reunion has finally taken place. A celebration of Elaine going home to The Lord God Almighty will take place on Saturday, March 25, 2023 at Richards Funeral Home of the Mid-Hudson Valley, Inc., 28 North VernonStreet, Athens, NY, 12015, with a memorial gathering from 10:00 A.M. – 11 A.M., with funeral services following at 11:00 A.M. at the funeral home. Donations may be made in her honor to an animal rescue or The Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org to help stop this horrible disease. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.richardsfuneralhomeinc.net.

Elaine Margaret Morse

November 3, 1943 - February 24, 2023