Died peacefully on February 12, 2013 in Santa Barbara. She was 89 years old. Elaine will be forever loved by her surviving sister Marion Gibson, her cousin Myrt Leimer, her niece Deborah Gibson, her great niece Heather Haigh and her great-great nieces and nephews, Ezekiel, Elysia, Elexys and Elijah Haigh, her nephew John Gibson, her great niece Michelle Gibson, her many friends, fellow musicians and professional friends.
Born in Los Angeles to Joe and Emily Kennedy, Elaine and her sister, Marion, were raised by their mother. Elaine started cello in Jr. High School. Her love of the cello and music set her life pattern and passion. She worshiped at Grace Lutheran Church and her faith in Jesus molded her values.
As the soldiers and sailors returned from WWII, she met and fell in love with Roger Renner, a pianist! She was happily married to this accomplished musician for 56 years. For many decades she performed in the Pacific Palisades Symphony. Elaine worked diligently and steadily for 36 years as a data entry supervisor at the Rand Corporation, a Think Tank. She was celebrated and awarded there for her excellent skills.
Elaine and Roger moved into a beautiful home in Santa Barbara in 1992. In 2006 she moved into Maravilla, where she performed 11 cello recitals. She attended Masterclasses and performances at the Music Academy of the West every summer. During the year she played quartets with her friends and attended and ushered at most Santa Barbara Music Club events. She took Adult Ed classes with Glory Fisher, and enjoyed her family, friends, traveling and concerts – and most of all, playing her cello.
A Memorial Service will be held Sat Feb 23, 10:30am at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church on Fairview Ave in Goleta. Reception following.
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