Elaine Marilyn (Gottel) Massey, 82, of Rocky Hill, formerly of Wethersfield, a strong woman of great faith, a loving daughter, a devoted wife, a beloved mother and grandmother and a dear friend to many, departed this life on February 11, 2016, to live eternally with her Lord. “Blessed is she who believed that the Lord would fulfill His promise to her.” Luke 1:45. Elaine was born on February 17, 1933, in Dixon, Illinois to her parents, Alina (Hesemann) and Arnold Gottel. Elaine met the love of her life, Merle Gene Massey, in grade school in El Paso, Illinois. They were married on January 1, 1953, a special day that was made even more memorable because it was also the day her parents celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. Elaine was blessed to share 58 amazing years with Gene, her best friend and childhood sweetheart. Gene predeceased Elaine in 2011. There is no doubt they are now celebrating their reunion in heaven. In Elaine’s home hangs a sign that reads: "All because two people fell in love" and from that sign hangs the treasures of Elaine’s heart…photos of Gene, her children and grandchildren. Elaine and Gene raised four children who filled their lives with much laughter and joy. Elaine was also blessed with twelve grandchildren, who affectionately called her “Grandma,” “Gram-cracker,” “Woman” and “Manager”. Elaine treasured them all and showered them with much love and attention. Whether it was babysitting or being present at every sports event, concert, recital or Grandparent’s day, Elaine never missed out on being a special part of every grandchild’s life. Her absence will be deeply felt, but her love and the memory of her beautiful life will live on in our hearts forever. Elaine is survived by her children: Brenda (Massey) Foxen and her husband Peter, Sr. of Rocky Hill, Lori (Massey) Littmann and her husband Mark of Davidson, North Carolina (formerly of Rocky Hill), Beth (Massey) Scully and her husband Jim of West Hartford, Bruce Massey and his wife Beth (O'Brien) of West Hartford; and her grandchildren: Peter, Jr., Abigail and Christian Foxen, Laura, Jenna, Tyler and Marisa Littmann, James and Aidan Scully, and Erin, Rachel and Joshua Massey. Elaine worked at The Travelers Insurance Company as an Executive Secretary for twenty years. She made many lasting friendships at The Travelers. Throughout her life, Elaine had a strong faith in her Lord. Elaine was an active member of Bethany Lutheran Church in West Hartford since 1975. She served as a member of the choir, Altar Guild, Prayer Shawl Committee, and Dorcas Society. To say that Elaine was a fan of the UCONN men’s and women’s basketball teams is an understatement. Elaine would make every effort to be near a television or sitting by a radio for every game. She was the biggest fan and “Official Manager” of her absolute favorite UConn men’s basketball player, #24, grandson Christian Foxen. Elaine approached her diagnosis of leukemia over ten years ago in the same manner she lived her life; with dignity, courage, persistence, prayerfulness, laughter, joy and grace. As Elaine approached the end of her life’s journey, she wanted to make certain that those who loved her were at peace as she was at peace. Elaine once again showed us the rewards of a faith-filled life. She was prepared and eager to meet her Lord and Savior because of her strong, unyielding faith in God.“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9. The funeral service will be held at Bethany Lutheran Church, 1655 Boulevard, West Hartford, on Wednesday, February 17, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. Calling hours will be on Tuesday, February 16, 2016 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Sheehan-Hilborn-Breen Funeral Home, 1084 New Britain Avenue, West Hartford. A private graveside service for the family will be at Rose Hill Memorial Park, Rocky Hill. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Elaine's memory to Bethany Lutheran Church, 1655 Boulevard, West Hartford, CT 06107. Online condolences may be made at www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com.