Elaine Kilbane
October 17, 1960 – May 7, 2015

KILBANE, ELAINE MARIE WILLDING, 54, born on October 17, 1960 in Dallas, Texas, to Mary Barbara Jurosek and Donald Joseph Willding, who preceded her in death. Called home to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on May 7, 2015, no words can describe the heartbreak and pain Elaine's family and friends feel over her tragic loss in a weather-related car accident. A beautiful person inside and out, Elaine was adored by everyone she touched, always spreading love and warmth with her beautiful smile and positive outlook on life. She was a Woman of God in all ways, trusting and calling on the name of Jesus through good times and personal struggles.
A wife, mother and grandmother, Elaine dedicated her every waking moment to her family. She adored her husband, Thomas John Kilbane, who she often proclaimed as "the love of my life." Married on June 6, 1998, she wrote in a 2014 post, "Happy Anniversary to my amazing husband … 16 years later and you still take my breath away!" A model for any marriage, the love and affection Tom and Elaine showed for each other could be felt by all who came in contact with them.
Equally unparalleled was Elaine's love and devotion to her daughters, Krista (and husband, Floyd), Meaghan and Brett; and, her beloved grandchildren, Hannah, Harmoni, Liam and Darjon. This same love radiated to her sister, Monica, her brother Michael (and wife, Maria) and her brother Peter. She embraced her nieces and nephews, Ryan, Cesily, Rachel and Merce, as if they were her own children. This same love extended to her aunts, uncles and many cousins.
Called "the rock of the family" by her brother, Pete, Elaine was a natural caregiver, rising to the call to care for her mother Barbara, who died on March 9, 2015. Elaine did not dwell on her mother's many health issues, rather she chose to celebrate life, cherishing their moments together and calling on her Savior to "lift my Mom up to the Lord for healing … and release her from all pain and discomfort." This caregiving did not stop with her immediate family. Elaine also taught pre-kindergarten at Liberty Christian School in Argyle, and was loved by the children and parents alike. Upon hearing of the accident, one parent wrote, "Thank you for sharing your passion for teaching and sharing the word of Christ with our children! We already miss you."
Like her mother, who was legendary for always having a box camera handy at family gatherings, Elaine also loved to take photographs and did so professionally. She owned and operated Sweet Pea Photographie, authentically capturing the spirit of her subjects, who often were her grandchildren or close relatives. Most recently she shot engagement photos for her niece Cesily and now-husband Eric.
In addition to her husband, Thomas John Kilbane, Elaine is survived by her children: Krista Elaine Saine and husband Floyd, Meaghen Elizabeth Cain and Brett Allyn Cain; her siblings: Monica Anne Willding, Michael Joseph Willding and wife Maria, and Peter Thomas Willding; her grandchildren: Hannah Jolie, Harmoni Jade, Liam Joseph and Darjon Lamar Saine; and, her nephews and nieces: Ryan Joseph Corl, Cesily Adell Beck and husband Eric, Rachel Ann Willding and Merce Emerson Tabor. She also is survived by her paternal Aunts, Mary Elizabeth Addington and Margaret Elaine Smith, her cousins Carole Flynt and husband Jon; and, Sue Boggan and husband Hal, as well as a large extended family.
A visitation will be held on Thursday evening, May 14, 2015, 5-8 p.m., at Rhoton Funeral Home, 1511 South I-35 at Crosby Road, Carrollton, TX. A Catholic Mass will be celebrated Friday, 5/15, at Mary Immaculate Catholic Church at 3 p.m and a reception held at 16969 Davenport Ct. Dallas, Texas 75248. Arrangements are under the direction of Rhoton Funeral Home, Carrollton, TX.