Elaine Ruth Udell Hoy was born June 12, 1914 in Los Angeles, CA. At only a few months of age, her family moved to Muncie, Indiana where she lived throughout her childhood.
She was the oldest of two daughters. Her father, an immigrant from Finland, believed in the opportunities of America and eventually became the president of a metal-working foundry providing parts to Ford in Muncie. The family frequently vacationed to Benton Harbor, Michigan where Elaine's mother grew up on a fruit farm. She loved all things about nature, the animals, the woods, and all types of weather.
Upon graduation from high school, Elaine went to Chicago and studied voice lessons for several years with classically trained opera instructors. Her soprano voice graced various stages and venues around Chicago. Even after she left the world of performing, she continued to sing for others throughout her life at church, at clubs, and finally at Westminster Village, a retirement community in Spanish Fort, Alabama where she lived for the past 15 years.
She married Marion Hoy in 1937 in Oak Park, Illinois and had two daughters, Carmen and Valerie. They lived in River Forest, Illinois for many years before retiring to Biloxi, Mississippi. Every summer since 1959, Elaine lived at their cottage near St. Germain, Wisconsin. This Moon Lake home reminded Elaine of her Michigan summers and was a favorite vacation spot for other family members and friends.
She was proud of her good fortune to live to be 93 years old, but was ready to be reunited with those who preceded her in death. February 14, 2008 marks the date she took that journey. Elaine is survived by a sister, a daughter, a niece, four grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.
A memorial service to celebrate the life of Elaine Udell Hoy will be held at THE RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 274 Beauvoir Road in Biloxi on Monday, April 21, 2008 at 10:00am where friends may visit 30 minutes prior to the service. Burial will follow at Biloxi City Cemetery.
An online guestbook may be viewed and signed at www.riemannfamily.com.