Elaine L. (Clothier) Zanzinger passed peacefully at her home in Huntingdon Valley, PA on her mother's birthday, May 21, 2024. She was 97. She was born on March 26, 1927 to the late William E. and Sylvia M. (Robinson) Clothier. She was predeceased by her sister Gloria (Fred) Lockett.

Born and raised in Philadelphia, she graduated from Olney High School in 1944. She maintained her high school and Lindley Methodist Church friendships with her "sorority" sisters' group throughout her life. She looked forward to monthly get-togethers and frequent parties and cookouts with their families.

Elaine met her husband, Anton (Tony) Zanzinger in Wildwood, NJ. They were married on February 5, 1949. They continued to frequent the "shore" for summer vacations or just a "drive/see" for good eats and visits with friends. He preceded her in death on November 19, 2017. She sorely missed her husband of 68 years.

Prior to marriage, Elaine worked for Globe Solvents, an oil distribution center in the Olney area. Later, after the kids were in school, she was employed by Sears Customer Services and then, Lower Moreland School District. At the district, she started as an aide at Pine Road Elementary. She spent most of her years, though, as an administrative assistant to the school district's psychologist and to the transportation department. She retired when she was 80 in 2007.

Elaine and Tony raised four children. They were the love of her life. She was proud of their accomplishments. She kept them in line by showing them the benefits of hard work - no play until your chores were done to her satisfaction. She made sure the kids all learned how to swim at Somerton Springs and, for the girls, how to tap dance. She drove them to numerous after-school activities.

Another passion was music. She had music on all day long, at home and at work. The radio would blare her favorite pop music. She loved Frank Sinatra and Engelbert Humperdinck, but she was also a big fan of Michael Jackson, Black-Eyed Peas and Lady Gaga. No stuffy music for her. Of course, where there was music, there was dancing. She and Tony loved to go dancing on Saturday nights, often teaching the kids the newest dances like the "Twist" when they came home. The two of them were known to "cut-a-rug", bringing home a 2nd place ribbon at a waltz contest on Crest Pier in Wildwood, NJ. She even organized "social dance classes" for 7th and 8th graders when her kids were in school.

It became a standing joke that Elaine was never without her pocketbook. For the four years that she was bedridden, her pocketbook was at her side. If she couldn't see it, she asked for it. So, she will be buried with her pocketbook and inside will be 2 pretzels and 2 cookies - one each for Tony and her. Of course, there will be dog treats for all her dog friends.

Elaine leaves behind 4 children. Judi (Rich) Bourque of Etters, PA, Donna Farrington of Huntingdon Valley, PA, Connie (Jon) Lee of Hatboro, PA, and Tony (partner DJ Cleaver) of Quakertown, PA. Elaine leaves 6 grandchildren - Renee Healy, Kelly Bourque, Patrick Bourque, Doug (Debbie) Lee, Gwen (Chad) Lobley, and Greg (Sara) Lee, and 8 great-grandchildren. She leaves the kindest neighbors and friends.

Friends and family are invited to gather at 9:30 AM on Wednesday, May 29th at Kirk and Nice Suburban Chapel, 333 West County Line Road, Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006. Elaine's Funeral Service will take place at 11:00 AM before we escort Elaine to her final resting place on the grounds of Sunset Memorial Park.

To honor her memory, contributions can be made in her name to your local SPCA or to the Alzheimer's Association - www.alz.org.