Elaine Goddard Johnston, 93, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 9, 2023, at New Castle Health & Rehabilitation Center. She was born in 1929 to Darcy and Iona Goddard, who immigrated to New York City from both Trinidad and Barbados. She grew up in New York City and graduated from Washington Irving High School in 1947.
Elaine was employed for many years as a medical secretary in both New York and later at Brandywine Convalescent Home. She was also occasionally employed as a model. In 1960, she married George Johnston, who predeceased her in 2006. Together, they worked for many years at the Park Restaurant in Richardson Park, which they co-owned with their children.
Elaine’s career culminated at the DuPont Company, where she worked as an executive secretary into her 70’s. Elaine had many interests including painting, shuffleboard, and traveling. Both Elaine and George enjoyed spending winters at their home in Inverness, Florida. Both also loved their infamous Fourth of July firework celebrations at Edgewater Park in the Bronx, New York. She also enjoyed spending time and holidays with family and friends.
In addition to her husband and parents, Elaine was predeceased by her younger sister, Shirley Goodman, in 2014. She is survived by four children: John O’Donnell (Kathy), Patricia Brand (Chris), Scott Johnston (Claire), and Arlene Redmond (fiance Doug Kuhl), in addition to 6 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. She is further survived by a nephew, Richard Turpin, and a niece, Grace Rosen, as well as 4 great nieces and nephews.
A public viewing will be held on Monday evening, July 17th, from 5-7 p.m. at McCrery and Harra Funeral Home, located at 3710 Kirkwood Highway Wilmington 19808. Burial will be private at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery. The family would like to extend their gratitude to the wonderful staff at both New Castle Health & Rehabilitation Center as well as Vitas Healthcare, who provided hospice care. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to either Vitas Healthcare or a charity of your choice.
