Elaine Caruso passed away at her Touchmark home on Friday, August 8, 2014. She was 91 years old. She was born on January 2, 1923 to John and Meta Sura in Glendive, Montana.
Her parents were dairy farmers in Glendive and Elaine grew up on the farm with her siblings Jim, Erven and Emogene. She shared great stories of the hard work and fun they all had on the farm. When Elaine was a teenager she moved to Helena to live with Aunt Gertrude and attended Helena High School. It is here that she met her lifelong friend, Mary Agnes LaRue.
After high school Elaine moved back to Glendive and met her future husband, Paul D Caruso. They were married on September 4, 1946. In 1949 their only son Paul D Caruso, Jr. was born.
Elaine, Paul, and Paul Jr. lived in Glendive until 1960. They then moved across the state to Superior where they founded The First State Bank of Mineral County. Elaine was very active in the daily operations of the bank.
After Paul Jr. graduated high school in 1967 opportunity called again so Elaine and Paul moved to Helena. Here they founded The First Security Bank of Helena. Elaine then worked at the Montana State Department of Revenue while keeping involved in the Bank’s operations. She was delighted to have three generations of the Caruso family running the Bank.
Elaine was a proud fan of all Paul Jr.’s activities. She and Paul travelled many miles across the state to support Paul Jr. Later in life, she kept a detailed scrapbook of Paul Jr.’s USGA activities.
She showered her granddaughters, Jill and Amy, with love and attention. When great granddaughters Lucia, Maeta, and Amelia arrived, Elaine had even more love to share with them.
Elaine was a talented gardener, loved cooking, baking, crafting, collecting fine porcelain, and traveling with Paul. She was an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
Elaine was preceded in death by her parents, John and Meta, and siblings Erven, Jim, and Emogene.
Elaine is survived by her husband of 68 years, Paul Caruso. Also surviving her are son Paul Jr. and wife Lenette, granddaughter Amy and husband Josh Quarles, granddaughter Jill and husband Matt Donald, and three great granddaughters, Lucia Quarles, and twins Maeta and Amelia Donald.
Our family would like to thank Rocky Mountain Hospice nurses, Jessica and Wendy, and the Touchmark staff for their kind care of Elaine. Also a big thanks goes out to Gerri and Jodi for keeping Elaine’s hair coiffed at her weekly hair appointments.
Memorials in Elaine’s name are suggested to Rocky Mountain Hospice of Helena or The Angel Fund (angelfundhelena.org)
Services for Elaine will be announced at a later date.
To offer a condolence to the family or share a memory of Elaine please visit below.
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DEBBIE MURGEL SCHRAMM says
I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS, SHE WILL BE MISSED. I ENJOYED GOING OVER TO HELP HER AND PAUL. WE ENJOYED VISITING WITH PAUL AND ELAINE. SHE WAS A VERY SPECIAL LADY AND ALWAYS BE IN MY THOUGHTS. KEEP YOUR CHINS UP AND JUST REMEMBER SHE WILL BE AT PEACE. ELAINE WAS A VERY WELL DRESSED AND BEAUTIFUL LADY. MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU. LOVE DEB AND DEE
Inez Slayman says
My heartfelt prayers to Paul Sr, Paul Jr and all family for your loss. I worked at First Security in Helena years ago, and met her. She always had a smile for everyone when she was there. 🙂
Craig Kirwin says
I was very sorry to read of Mrs. Caruso’s passing. I remember her fondly as a very elegant and wonderful lady. My condolences to the Caruso family.
Jay Ost says
I have found Memories of Aunt Elaine, Her and uncle Paul were always so nice to me when
we had the chance to see each other. My thoughts are with Uncle Paul and there son
Paul jr, with much love and respect Jay Ost.
Bev Mitchell and family says
Elaine was quite a beautiful lady who lived her life as an exceptional role model, friend, parent, wife and mother. Condolences to all who loved this special lady.
Lara Moe says
Elaine was an extraordinary person. I am forever indebted to her and Paul for all of their kindness and support for myself and my family over the years. She will be greatly missed.
-Lara Moe