Elaine entered eternal rest, November 1, 2021 at her home in Chelsea, surrounded by her loving family, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.  She was 62 years of age.  One of 17 children, she is the daughter of the late Benjamin J. and Jeannette (Labbe) Richard.  A lifelong resident of Chelsea, Elaine attended Chelsea Public Schools.  As a young woman, Elaine continued her education by becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant.  A proud mother, wife, aunt, sister and friend. Elaine had been frequently hospitalized during the months of September and October due to complications from stage 4 ovarian cancer and renal disease which required her to be on dialysis while she was fighting her cancer. She was also a recipient of a kidney transplant 17 years ago from her brother, Wayne Richard, for which the family was forever grateful as the transplant extended her life. Elaine remained hopeful, brave, and determined; although fighting these incurable diseases while in Palliative care. It was her wish to pass peacefully in her own bed at home.  Elaine did not publicize and complain about her situation. She never wavered in her determination despite the physical and mental tolls of the disease that took her life. Those who treated her at the Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Boston admired her resilience and toughness and she was well cared for and adored by many of the staff. The staff at BI went above and beyond to see that she had some quality of life in the first few years since being diagnosed after Christmas in 2016.

Elaine dedicated her career as a physical therapist assistant at the Chelsea Soldier's Home.  She tended to the care and needs of Veterans for 25 years before retiring in 2015. Elaine had a fond place in her heart for our Veterans, while and after, working at the Chelsea Soldiers Home Hospital for many years. In a way, she served her country by caring for Veterans of WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and the Gulf wars. She encountered and befriended many of them and their families; there were always interesting war stories from her patients.

Elaine loved animals, crafts and quilting, Boston sports, and most of all Bruce Springsteen, having gone to many concerts. During her battle with illnesses, she joined the Chelsea Community Center Quilting Classes with a wonderful group of ladies and friends that helped her during her fight and lifted her spirits when she was in her times of emotional need. A few of the quilting projects were donated to Veteran's and other charities. She enjoyed personally crafting them and giving them as gifts to her friends and family while she was physically able to do so.  Elaine's family is forever grateful to the Community Center and all the wonderful people that got her though some of those tough times.

Elaine always listened and encouraged her friends and family. She was a friend to those in need by demonstrating compassion and love no matter how small or large the problem. She was a giver and not a taker. This was her gift to the world.

Upon her initial diagnosis 4 years ago, the Oncology team weighed the risk of treatment or the option for Hospice based on the complications of fighting Renal and Ovarian Cancer at the same time. The expectations of surviving treatment was low due to her stage 4 diagnose and her tiny 4' 11" stature. Elaine proudly said to them; "never underestimate a girl from Chelsea." Elaine will be greatly missed by all those who loved her.

Elaine is the beloved husband of William H. Patti, Jr. of Chelsea.  Devoted mother of Keith W. Patti of Chelsea.  Dear sister of Edward Richard, Linda Riley, Joanne Crandle, Barbara Richard and the late Benjamin J. Richard II, Robert Richard, Joseph Richard, Frank Richard, Leonard Richard, Wayne Richard, Arnold Richard, Ernie Richard, Carolyn Richard, Janet Sturgist, Susette Leblanc, Annette Purcell.  Elaine was taken care of and survived by her mother-in-law Jean Patti.  Beloved sister-in-law of Pamela K. Liesy, the late Kim Leisy, Cat and Valerie Rivera and an aunt to their son, Noah.  She is also lovingly survived by many nieces and nephews.

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS:  Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Elaine's visiting hours at the Carafa Family Funeral Home, 389 Washington Ave., CHELSEA, on Saturday, November 6, 2021 from 9:00 – 11:00 A.M.  Funeral services will follow the visitation in the Funeral Home at 11:00 A.M.  Interment will be private.

DONATIONS:  In lieu of flowers, donations in Elaine's memory may be made to ALSAC/St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or on-line at www.stjude.org

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