Elaine Marie (Kelly) Chismer, 88, of Williamsburg, Virginia, died November 2, 2025, at Windsor Meade, surrounded by her children.
Elaine was born on August 17, 1937, to Arthur and Margaret Kelly in Hanover, Pennsylvania. She graduated from Hanover Memorial High School and attended Mercy Hospital School of Nursing. Elaine worked as a registered nurse in New York City, NY, until her marriage to Eugene William Chismer on June 18, 1960. Elaine and Eugene lived in Southfield, Michigan, where they adopted four children and had three of their own. After residing in Southfield, MI, Elaine and her family moved to Plymouth, MI, then to Dallas, PA, before settling in Williamsburg, VA.
Elaine loved spending time with her friends, children, and thirteen grandchildren, as well as needlepoint, gardening, and cooking for her large family and many friends. She was especially known for her Italian chocolate chip cookies, which she often baked in large batches to share.
A lifelong devoted Catholic, Elaine humbly cared for others, never seeking recognition or thanks. She was loved by many for her gentle, gracious nature and her generous acts of kindness and benevolence, especially by her friends and the staff at Windsor Meade.
Elaine is survived by her children and their spouses: David Chismer, Michael and Donna Chismer, Diane and Henry Branscome, Patricia and Jon Gustin, Marianne and John Guglielmetti, Carolyn Cloninger; her grandchildren Cordy, Gussie, Doc, Happy, and Chismer Branscome; Callie, Meredith, and Emmy Chismer; Jackson Garrett; Libby and Andy Guglielmetti; and Hayes Cloninger.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Margaret Kelly; her husband, Eugene Chismer; her sister, Peggy Sarsfield; and her son, Andrew Chismer.
The family respectfully requests that no flowers or donations be sent. Burial services will be private.
