Elaine Starke Jones, 85

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. —  Elaine Starke Jones, 85 of North Adams MA died on July 27, 2024 at Cedarbrook Village Assisted Living Community in Ware, MA.

Elaine was born in Queens, NY on July 31, 1938, daughter of Ralph W. Starke and Marie B. Starke, and sister of Robert R. Starke (b. 1940) and Paul W. Starke (b. 1943). She graduated from Colby College in 1960. Elaine is predeceased by her husband, Thomas Maxfield Jones, who died in January of 2023. They married June 4th, 1960.

Elaine taught high school early in her career in Somerset, MA and then as a second career at the Highcroft School in Williamstown, MA, where she delighted in sharing her love of Shakespeare with her students. She was an active community member, working with the North Adams Public Library, League of Women’s Voters as well as being a staunch advocate for local schools in the community.

Elaine and Tom were well known for their love of gardening. Their extended gardens were a joy for all to see and visit. Elaine’s flower arrangements adorned a beautiful home, often coupled with the aroma of baked goods. They loved their grandchildren and enjoyed visiting with them often.

Good company, daily walks together, a welcoming table, music and flowers supported a life well lived.

Survivors include children Thomas S. (Jayne) Jones of Hampton NH; Kimberly (J.R.) Figueroa of Chicopee, MA; David H. (Martha) Jones of Athol, MA; Christopher C. (Amanda) Jones of Williamstown, MA; and Sarah (David) Belanger of Hadley, MA. Grandchildren include Thomas R. Jones of Cape Elizabeth, ME; Emily K. Weinstein of South Boston, MA; Hannah Belanger, Alameda, CA; Sophie Jones of Brooklyn, NY; Carolyn Jones, Ayer, MA and Allyson Jones, Northboro, MA. Great grandchildren include - Aubrey Billington, Cole Billington, Elaina Correa, Addison Correa and Thomas (Finn) Finnegan Jones.

The family thanks the compassionate caregivers at the Cedarbrook Assisted Living community and Brookhaven Hospice for their dedicated care over the past months.

The family will observe Elaine’s passing privately. Burial will be in Southview Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Elaine’s name at Partners in Health: https://www.pih.org, an organization she had a great passion for due to her interaction with its founder, Paul Farmer.

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