Elaine A. Gorea, age 85, affectionately known to family and friends as “Non,” formerly of Clinton, New York, went home to our Lord on May 6, 2026, at the Charles T. Sitrin Health Care Center.

     Born on March 27, 1941, Elaine lived a life devoted to family, community, faith, and service to others. Elaine was the beloved daughter of Dominic and Eugenia (Olszewski) Gorea and was educated at St. Mary’s of Mount Carmel School by the Sisters of St. Francis before graduating from Utica Catholic Academy — years she often remembered as among the happiest of her life.

      Professionally, Elaine spent more than 20 years as a respected realtor, helping countless families find their forever homes while building lasting friendships throughout the community. She was among the first women to earn her GRI designation, reflecting her professionalism, determination, and leadership in the field.

      Like her father, Elaine had a deep love for politics and civic involvement. Her unwavering dedication to the community, especially to youth and families, defined much of her life’s work. She was the first Charter President of the New York Mills PTSA, helping establish the first parent-teacher organization in the Mohawk Valley.

     Elaine also served with Juvenile Protection as Chairman of the Central District, spanning five counties, where she worked closely with family court judges, law enforcement agencies, and organizations addressing child abuse and neglect.

     In the fall of 2000, Elaine organized the area’s first youth abstinence education rally through the NY Alliance for Abstinence Education’s Project Reality initiative. She successfully partnered with guest speakers Molly Kelly and former NBA star A.C. Green, known as the “Iron Man,” to address more than 1,000 local youth on abstinence education

      Elaine was also a devoted parishioner of St. Mary of Mount Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Church, where her faith remained an important foundation throughout her life.     

      Anyone fortunate enough to know Elaine was touched by her warmth, compassion, and steadfast love. She had a unique ability to make people feel valued and special in every interaction, and her legacy of kindness and service will continue to live on through all those whose lives she touched.

   Elaine is survived by her loving daughter, Jean Marie (Fobare) Coleman, who was also her best friend and greatest joy; her cherished grandchildren, whom she loved beyond words, Mark Allan Coleman Jr. and Marisa (Coleman) Chapman and her husband, Kevin; and her adored great-grandchildren, Julia, Leah, Callan, and Declan. Elaine is also survived by her brother, John P. Gorea, along with nieces and nephews, including Kelly (Gorea) McConnachie, Genia Del Mastro, and John Gorea Jr. Elaine was blessed with a close circle of dear friends, including Lana Wiese, Linda Castro, Becky Redmond, Elizabeth Williams, and her longtime friend, Emily Leavitt. She was predeceased by her parents; her sister-in-law, Joanne Gorea; and her nephew, Jamie Del Mastro.

     The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff at the Charles T. Sitrin Health Care Center and especially thank those who comforted Elaine at the time of her passing: Kennesha Barnes, Tamara Cosilmon, Stacey Krecidlo, Lisa Rieth, Michele Dischiavo, and most importantly, her guardian angel and dear friend, Pam Mackin-Clark.

     In keeping with Elaine’s wishes, there will be no public calling hours. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to Elaine’s Funeral Mass of Christian burial and Celebration of Life on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary of Mount Carmel/Blessed Parish, 648 Jay St., Utica.

     In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Anita's Stevens Swan Humane Society or to a local Boxer rescue organization, a cause especially close to Elaine’s heart.

     Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Heintz Funeral Service, Inc., Utica.

Fond memories and messages of sympathy may be shared at

www.heintzfuneralservice.net.

“THE BEST IS YET TO COME”