Elaine M. (Lindow) Guziak, 84, of Milton, died Nov. 2 at John Adams Health Care Center, Quincy, after a battle with congestive heart failure.
Mrs. Guziak was born May 20, 1925, in Medford, Wisc., the daughter of Edward and Ella (Steinert) Lindow. Upon graduation from Medford Senior High School, she worked as a clerk for Price County, distributing rations during World War II.
She married John Guziak on Oct. 17, 1946, in Abbotsford, Wisc. They lived in Medford for many years where they raised five sons and five daughters.
After raising her family, she attended Mid-State Technical College in Wisconsin Rapids where she obtained her real estate license, and completed several business and computer courses.
She practiced real estate in Wisconsin for several years prior to relocating to Boston, where she was employed at John Hancock Insurance as an administrative assistant, retiring at the age of 75.
Mrs. Guziak dedicated her life to her family and her love for them was endless. She treasured her family and loved to be surrounded by them. A twinkle in the eyes and a great sense of humor always brought a smile or a giggle from those who had contact with her. She never passed up an opportunity to play a board game with her children or grandchildren, and she enjoyed painting.
She had a strong commitment to the Lord and left her heirs with strong Christian ethics. Music was also part of her heritage and is one of many gifts passed on to her family. Some of her fondest memories were times spent at the cabin in Clam Lake, Wisc.; family reunions in Colorado, Wisconsin, Cape Cod and California; and trips to Hawaii, Alaska and Ireland. Mrs. Guzniak made friends easily and kept in touch with many of them throughout the years. She would look forward to yearly trips back to Medford to visit with her lifetime friends.
Prior to living at John Adams Health Care Center, she resided in a senior housing facility in Milton for several years. While living in the town, she made many lasting friendships and was an active member in The Legion of Mary at St. Agatha Church.
Wife of the late John Guziak, she is survived by her children, Robert Guziak, of Los Angeles, Joanne Grassa and her husband, Joe, of Milton, Julienne Verbrick and her husband, William, of Nekoosa, Wisc., William Castar, of Los Angeles, James Guziak and his wife, Cindy, of Anaheim, Calif., Kay Jackson, of Milton, John Guziak and his wife, Valerie, of Westchester, Calif., Sue Gaber and her husband, Tom, of Rhinelander, Wisc., Linda Guziak, of Quincy, and Paul Guziak and his wife, Barb, of Coto de Caza, Calif.; 16 grandchildren[; six great-grandchildren; her brother, John Lindow and his wife, Susan, of Sacramento, Calif.; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents and by her brother, Edward Lindow.
The family expresses its thanks to the entire staff at John Adams Health Care Center and Old Colony Hospice for their loving care and friendship.
A funeral Mass was celebrated Nov. 7 in St. Agatha Church, Milton. Burial will be in Medford at a later date.
Donations may be made to St. Agatha Restoration Fund, Milton, MA 02186 or to Old Colony Hospice, 1 Credit Union Way, Randolph, MA 02368.