Elaine Gilley Boccagno

Birth date: Apr 28, 1957 Death date: Dec 1, 2020

Elaine Gilley Boccagno passed away at home on December 1, 2020. She was a wonderful partner, daughter, sister, mother, and friend. She was diagnosed with Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), rare neurological illness, which she fought c Read Obituary

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Sally Jorgensen Duncan

139w ago

Oh My Dear Elaine! I loved her so and I was so sad to hear of her passing. How did I let time pass between us??? We me back in 1980 and were drawn to each other immediately. We both found humor easily and preferred to enjoy adventure than live life otherwise. But really her light was bright and sparkly. She brought light to any room and lifted the mood of those around her.
When I met her she loved skiing and other adventure, but she didn't like change. When I moved to California she came to visit me and decided she was ready to cut her very long hair. At the time she had a long Farrah Fawcett style. She was at the same time terrified. I took her to a stylist who was trained by Vidal Sassoon and he had such an enjoyable time with her and she ended up with an awesome hair cut. She mentioned that haircut and the change in made in her life in several letters.
She and I joined some other friends on a rafting trip down 88 miles of the Green River. It was a blast and the SCREAMING! What joy and there was no one better to adventure with.
Then we both married and had kids and really both of us dedicated our life to our families. I regret letting her slip away from me while I was living life that way.
Thank you Al for loving my Elaine and giving her joy and care and continuing her adventure with her to the end.
Sally Duncan

Keith Gilley

253w ago

I Keith sure miss my younger sister, ever since she was young she was always so positive and up beat and fun to be around. We had some good times getting in the firewood for the winter, doing the gardening in the summer and our favorite activity, skiing in the beautiful mountains we both loved. Elaine was a health nut before health nuts came to be so we all wonder why she was the one to get such a terrible disease and endure so much suffering (which she never really complained about) for several years. Elaine was so fortunate to have a soulmate named Al who took such loving care of her throughout her ordeal, we as a family will always be so grateful to him. Elaine is now free of her trials and pain and with family and friends who have gone before. We will always remember Her and miss Her. Love , Keith- Kathy

Mtnmanal

261w ago

Added a new photo to the Memories Album album.

Sandy Campbell

261w ago

My Aunt Elaine was one of the healthiest, down to earth and most conscientious people I have ever met. She made her own bread and grew her own garden food long before "organic" became a buzz word for many. She spent many (80 ) days a year skiing on a mountain she loved. She walked her dog daily. I can't say that I will ever understand how she drew the short straw in being diagnosed with the rarest of rare diseases. Long before I was a mother, I remember my Aunt Elaine sacrificing daily to provide love, sacrifice and the best of nurturing to her daughter. I don't believe I have met a more dedicated mother. She loved her family, she loved the world and she loved the Earth. I was 8 years old the first time Aunt Elaine took me skiing. I'll never forget her passion in sharing the sport she loved so dearly with me. I remember staying up late into the night sharing stories when she and Hillary came to visit my family in Southern California. I feel sad for the heart break Elaine endured, but she never quit fighting. I am grateful for the love and care Al provided her. I am thankful my Grandma, my mom (Elaine's sister Sandy) and I had the opportunity to visit Elaine and Al in Maine. It was a special trip that I won't forget. I can only hope that Elaine is with my Grandpa in a better place. I love you Aunt Elaine.
--Shauna Hutchinson

Sandy Campbell

261w ago

I could not have asked for a better sister than Elaine. I felt like we shared a special bond as I was the oldest of the first three children and eleven years later Elaine was the oldest of the last three children. I loved to go for walks with her when she was little, and she rode in the little red wagon. When I was practicing high jumping for a school track meet, we made her a miniature high jump and she practiced right along side of me until she got so stiff she could hardly get out of bed. We confided in each other totally. When either of us went through hard times we would visit or have lengthy phone conversations. When she and Al decided to move to Maine, I was sad for myself because I knew we would rarely, if ever, see each other again but I was glad for her and her new adventure. Elaine was very special. I loved her and will miss her greatly. On the other hand, I know she was tired of fighting the battle of her illness and was ready to be done. She is now free, visiting with Dad and enjoying all that heaven has to offer.
Sandy Campbell, Sister

Kenneth Parr

261w ago

Hello Al,
I thoroughly enjoyed our visits in Holladay, Sandy, and in Ellsworth with Elaine, you, and of course Misty. My fondest memories are having dinner at your house in Holladay. We would all cook together, share stories, sip some wine, bourbon or scotch. And really enjoyed going to the Unitarian Church for Blue Grass concerts with your and Elaine. That was fun. Unfortunately I have no pictures but do have great memories. Much love and condolences from Ken and Callie Parr; Minden, Nevada.

Ruth (Stevens) Glass

262w ago

Dear Al,
We only met twice, but I know you are a kind and good man and I was so glad you and Elaine found each other. I know she really loved and appreciated you; she told me you are a wonderful man and she felt really bad because "Al did not sign-up for this."
God bless you for having the kindness and compassion to be such a good, faithful, and loving friend to her. She was also the best kind of friend to have!
My prayers go out to you,
Ruth (Stevens) Glass

Ruth (Stevens) Glass

262w ago

I always loved Elaine's smile - she always looked like she knew something more but was not telling! She wrote in our senior yearbook "...Please remember me, Ruth..." No chance of forgetting such a kind soul!
My deepest condolences to Sister Gilley, Bobbi & Deon, Becky, Sandra, and Keith; I know your Dad and the Hanson twins, along with many others were there to greet her.
Love,
Ruth (Stevens) Glass, granddaughter of your neighbor, Martha Hanson

M'leah

262w ago

My first memory of Elaine was at Al's house. She had a sparkle in her eye for him! I enjoyed Elaine's gentle spirit and quiet strength. Great sense of humor.

I have a good memory to share from this past year as well: I went to Elaine and Al's place to see if I could help Elaine download the Diane Rehm podcast. Technical difficulties... when we finally got it, and hit play, Elaine's face lit up to hear Diane's voice - it was as if Elaine was hearing the voice of an old friend. A moment of grace and relief. My heart is with Elaine's peeps. Al, I am thinking of you and will keep checking in. Much love. -M'Leah

Larry R. Velarde

262w ago

To Al and Elaine's family, please accept my sincerest condolences. I know Al you were there for Elaine through thick and thin and especially through the challenging times. Believe me when I say it did not go unnoticed and your families appreciate it! Take care of yourself Al, your friend,

Larry R. Velarde

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