ELAINE ODLAND CAIN

Elaine Odland Cain, 91, passed away peacefully on April 15th, 2024. Born November 5th, 1932, in Britton, South Dakota, she was raised on a farm in Claremont, SD, until the family moved to California. After her graduation from Van Nuys high school, she attended Pomona College, in Claremont, CA, earning a bachelor’s degree in English Literature. Her undergraduate studies included a semester at the University of Oslo, Norway, where she began a lifelong interest in her Norwegian heritage. She earned a master’s degree in education, then taught in both public and private schools before opening her own private school, Three Oaks Carden school in Brea, CA.

On March 31st, 1957, Elaine married Joseph Neil Cain, her childhood sweetheart, and they were married 63 years, until his death in April 2020. They had 3 children- David, Amanda, and Jennifer. They settled in La Habra Heights, CA, and were enthusiastic members of that community for over 50 years.

Elaine’s passion for teaching was rivaled only by her love for creating. She poured herself into a second career as a full-time tile artist, becoming a recognized name known for her large, Norwegian themed tile murals. She traveled the country doing art shows, exhibitions, and public installations.

She loved birds, flowers, antiques, travel, good food, New Mexico, the California coast, and was always up for fun.

Preceded in death by her sister, Elizabeth Berry, husband, Joseph Cain, and son, David Cain. Survived by her brother, LynnOdland,daughtersAmanda Vasiliou and Jennifer Williams, grandchildren Chelsea Taber, Ashley Cain, Kristine Cain, Adam Vasiliou, Alexander Vasiliou, Benjamin Vasiliou, and Christian Williams, and two great grandchildren Cassidy and Cameron Hull.

The family is grateful for the loving care Elaine received from Generations Assisted Living in Rathdrum, ID, and from Crest Hospice. No service is planned at this time.

ELAINE ODLAND CAIN

ELAINE ODLAND CAIN

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