Elaine Polk

Elaine Gay Polk, 77, of Shippensburg, departed this life on the morning of Wednesday, March 11, 2020, at Select Specialty Hospital, Camp Hill.

She was born in Port Matilda, Centre Co., Pennsylvania, a daughter of the late James and Hazel (Heinbaugh) Snyder and married Howard S. Polk on September 14, 1963, in Hollidaysburg, PA.

Elaine studied early childhood development at the Prince Georges County Community College, prior to working at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Tactical Electronic Warfare Division in Washington D.C. She had a long and rewarding career, being awarded a Meritorious Unit Citation, and retired in December 2000 after eight years of service. Elaine was affectionately known as one of the “cat ladies” of the Naval Research Laboratory, as anyone who worked there at the time would surely know of and understand the significance of such a title.

She was a member of the Mainsville Church, Shippensburg, and could always be counted on to help with Bible School. In her free time, Elaine liked reading mystery novels and in her younger years, was an enthusiastic camper. She and her husband, Howard enjoyed traveling to places such as Ireland to visit her family’s place of origin as well as Sicily, where they once had an exciting and very memorable vacation. Another favorite place was Rocky mountain National Park in Colorado.

In addition to her husband of fifty-six years, Howard, she is survived by her son, Brian S. Polk and wife Beth of Gettysburg; her sister, Pauline Ellenberger of Manheim; two nieces, Kristi and Kay; a nephew, Dennis; and many friends that meant a great deal to her.

Her funeral service will be held at 4:00 p.m., on Sunday, March 15, 2020, at the Fogelsanger-Bricker Funeral Home & crematorium, Inc., Shippensburg. Rev. Donald Herb and Rev. Robert Mentzer will officiate. Viewing will be one hour prior to the service on Sunday at the funeral home. Elaine will be laid to rest at 3:00 p.m., on Monday, March 16, 2020, in the New Canoe Creek Cemetery, near Hollidaysburg, Blair County.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter.