Elaine MacKenzie Credit: Courtesy In loving memory of Elaine Mackenzie, 64. Elaine Mackenzie, age 64, passed away peacefully in her sleep, leaving behind a loving family and a life marked by service, compassion and quiet strength. Though her absence will be felt every day, her influence will continue through the people, causes and creatures she cared for so faithfully.Elaine was the devoted mother of three and a beloved stepmother to a stepson she raised as her own. To her, family was never defined by labels — only by love, commitment and showing up every day. She gave her children roots, wings and plenty of honest advice along the way. One of her favorite phrases was “Life’s not fair,” meant to encourage resilience and perseverance through life’s challenges. Now, many are left repeating those words in a more somber tone, holding on to the wisdom behind them.Inspired by her eldest daughter’s deployment to Iraq, Elaine became deeply involved in the American Legion Auxiliary and proudly served in many distinguished roles. She was department president in 2010, National Executive Committee Woman in 2011, held multiple department chairmanships and served as a district president. Elaine approached this work with dedication, integrity and heart — always advocating for others and believing strongly in community and responsibility. She selflessly stepped away from work that meant so much to her to care for her father, a final testament to her character and priorities.Elaine’s commitment to making the world a better place extended to her professional life as vice president of a small environmental company. For more than 30 years, she worked tirelessly to support environmental responsibility and sustainability, believing deeply that even small efforts could make a meaningful difference. After medically retiring, she finally allowed herself time to focus on her own health — something she had long put aside for the sake of others.Elaine’s heart extended naturally to animals — how could it not? Her favorite breed was simply “rescue.” She leaves behind Miranda, her faithful pit bull who loved car rides and gave endless face kisses; and her cat, Mr. Kitty, who insisted on morning pets over coffee — provided Elaine’s many children or grandchildren weren’t around to steal the attention first.In addition to her many accomplishments, Elaine earned an associate’s degree in business management, exemplifying her dedication to growth and her talent for balancing life’s many demands.Elaine will be remembered for her laughter, her strength, her compassion and her unwavering love for her family. Elaine leaves behind her mother, Janice Spencer; children Cassandra Reyes, Christine Sprout and Ben Sprout; stepson Ryan Doorey; her loving grandchildren, Sachi, Angelo, Valentina, Kaimana and Adeline; two brothers, Wayne and Jonathan; and her uncle Robert Grier.A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, January 10, at 1 p.m. at the American Legion Post 91, located at 8 South Street, Colchester, Vt. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the American Legion Auxiliary or the Vermont Humane Society. The post Obituary: Elaine Mackenzie, 1961-2025 appeared first on Seven Days. ...read more read less