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Elaine Anne Paul Gessner, age 93, much loved mother, wife, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away unexpectedly on March 31, 2025. She will be forever remembered for her devotion to family, her commitment to friends, her deep faith and fellowship with St. John Catholic Church, and her exquisite Italian cooking.
Elaine grew up in Plymouth, Massachusetts, the daughter of James and Eva Paul, and moved to St. Marys, West Virginia with her husband Robert where they raised six children. Plymouth stayed in her heart so much so that she and her husband determinedly drove six kids in the back of a station wagon every summer to Plymouth to introduce them to the wonders of the beach, coffee frappes, and the beauty of the Cape. Through time, West Virginia became her home, and Country Roads her theme song, which she danced to at a family celebration at the age of 92. Not only did Elaine raise six children, but helped support many of the children in Pleasants County as a kindergarten aid from 1976 to 1996. She took such pride in being remembered by her kindergarten friends as they greeted her in their adult careers as nurses, bus drivers, engineers, and in every profession. She never tired of hearing "You were my kindergarten teacher and you were so kind to me." One of her most endearing attributes was the way she reached out to her grandchildren and friends, writing greeting cards for every occasion to let them know how much she cared. There were traditions for every holiday. Her fun loving personality shined through in the unique way she gave those gifts. From the youngest grandchildren to the oldest adults, you had to hunt for that Easter basket. There was no age limit for fun pranks and laughter. She kept her family very engaged in recent years working on jigsaw puzzles and watching Hallmark movies. Her fondest memories were from the beach vacations she planned for her family each year. The journey to North Carolina Outer Banks at the Cavalier Motor Lodge grew larger each year as the family grew. She was sometimes referred to as "The Mayor" of the Cavalier since she made so many friends year after year. Her faith ran deep. Elaine kept a prayer box and if she knew you were struggling or in need of guidance a little prayer was written and dropped into her prayer box. When something wonderful happened her friends and family would say "It's because of the prayer box"! Her miracles were many.
Elaine was preceded in death by Robert E. Gessner, her loving husband of 59 years, her son Robert P. Gessner, age 64 and her brother Lawrence Paul. She is survived by 5 children Karen (Steven) Parlett, Aileen Owens, David, Kathleen (Charles) Drazba, James (Sandi). Elaine is survived by 12 grandchildren Mitch (Tracy) Parlett, Andrew (Fiona) Owens, Christa (Quentin) Michelet, Terri Parlett, Charlie, Maggie and Tony Drazba, Katy Gessner, Isabell, Jack and Bobby Gessner, Elijah (Ashley) Bennett and 4 great grandchildren Elodie and Ronan Michelet, and Hudson and Henslee Bennett.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 A.M. Saturday, April 12, 2025 at St. John's Catholic Church, St. Marys, WV with Father Shinto Mathew officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Marys IOOF Cemetery. Friends may call from 5 to 8 P.M. Friday at Ingram Funeral Home, St. Marys, WV with a prayer vigil at 7:30. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society, https://www.cancer.org/ or a charity of your choice. An online guest register is available at www.ingramfh.com.