Elaine R. Gilbert of Holland died Monday, February 15, 2016 at Twining Village Health Care in Holland. She was 88.

Elaine was the beloved wife of 60 years to Joseph E. Gilbert, Jr.

Born in Philadelphia, she was the daughter of the late Thomas and Rosina Seeger Haist, sister of the late Thomas Haist and sister-in-law to the late Hilda Haist and Virginia Haist.

Elaine was a former resident of Richboro before moving to Holland in 2012. She was a graduate of Frankford High School in Philadelphia, Class of 1945. Elaine was a charter member and a long time member of Sola Gratia Circle at the Advent Lutheran Church in Richboro. She was the Past President of the Northeast Philadelphia Ladies Lions Club and was an active participant and donor to Aid for Friends.

Even with her physical challenges, she was fiercely independent. In her leisure, Elaine enjoyed ceramics and knitting caps for infants. She was supportive of her friends and family, and frequently attended her grandchildren’s activities. Elaine will be truly missed by her family and by all who came to know her.

In addition to her husband Joseph, Elaine is survived by her two sons; Bruce Gilbert and his wife Melissa of Arlington, VA and Scott Gilbert and his wife Michele of Furlong. She is also survived by her brother Matt Haist of Ivyland and her cherished grandchildren, Christine, Sarah, Ryan and Samantha.

Relatives and friends are invited to express their condolences on Saturday, February 20^th from 10:30am until her Funeral Service 11:30am in the Advent Lutheran Church, 45 Worthington Mill Road, Richboro, PA 18954. Elaine’s interment will be privately held.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the Advent Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 840, Richboro, PA  18954.