Elaine Mary Tingle's Obituary
It is with great sadness that the family of Elaine M Tingle of Laurel DE announce her passing after a short illness surrounded by her loved ones on April 18, 2023.
Elaine was born in Lewes DE on August 1, 1955, to D. Trent and Jennie Scott Wharton. Elaine began her career as a paralegal, met her husband Mike and they married on June 12, 1976. Together they had two children Shawn Tingle of Gumboro DE and Jenna L Conaway of Georgetown DE.
Elaine ran the family farm while her children were young, and eventually went back to college where she received her bachelor’s degree and began her teaching career. Over her 30-year career, she taught in the Laurel and Indian River School Districts, and she continued her education, receiving her Masters. She was proud to have earned her National Board Certification, one of the most respected professional certificates available in education. Elaine loved to teach and developed many lasting relationships with both her co-workers and the children she taught, many of whom have stayed in contact with her over the years.
Elaine loved life, she enjoyed the beach, spending time with her friends, gardening, and her new puppy Charleigh. Each summer she looked forward to the opening of Carey’s Camp, a twelve-day spiritual camp adjacent to Carey’s United Methodist Church. As one of the “tent” owners Elaine would open Tent #25 where her and family would host countless family members and friends. She would spend her time helping with vacation bible school, along with countless other duties she took upon herself so others could fully enjoy their “camp” experience.
Above all else Elaine loved her family and her greatest joy was becoming a grandmother. She was known as Mommom Laine to Grace, Mason & Lily Tingle and Gavin, Jaxon & Jordyn Conaway.
To everyone who knew Elaine, all would agree that they are all better people because of the love and kindness she encircled them with.
Elaine is survived by her husband Mike Tingle of Laurel, DE, Shawn Tingle, and children of Gumboro, DE & Jenna and Greg Conaway and children of Georgetown DE. Her sisters Janice (Michael) Oliver of Wheelock Vermont, Cindy (Lynn) Alderman of Circleville, OH and Trenny Wharton of Kingston OH, her mother Jennie Scott Wharton of S. Bloomingville, OH and many nieces, nephews, and many other family and friends along with Charleigh (her pup) whom she loved and who loved her. She was preceded in death by her father D. Trent Wharton.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or stjude.org. The family asks that you please take the time to make as many memories as possible with your loved ones.
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