Catherine Nina Elder

Catherine Nina “Kay” Elder, 91, of Astoria, died Tuesday, July 17, 2012, in Astoria.

She was born April 3, 1921, in Brookfield, Wash., to Anton and Frances Lucille (Marincovich) Svicarovich. At an early age, she took the name of her stepfather, Albert Erickson.

She went to first and second grades at the Brownsmead School, third grade at St. Mary, Star of the Sea School, then attended John Jacob Astor Elementary School.

In 1939, she graduated from Astoria High School, where she was a member of the Home Economics Club and the Glee Club. She also played the violin in the high school orchestra.

Her first job after high school was as a clerk at the Astoria J.C. Penney store, where she was promoted to head cashier and then office manager. In September 1942, she met her future husband at a USO dance, where she was a hostess. During World War II, she volunteered to roll bandages for the Red Cross as a member of the Anchor Club.

On Dec. 31, 1943, she married William C. “Bill” Elder. He survives, residing in Astoria, where the couple settled after the war.

Mrs. Elder worked at the old Columbia Hospital helping in the lab and X-ray departments. After the birth of her daughter, she worked as a nurse’s aide. She also worked at the old U.S. Bank branch as a teller for nine years, and for 17 years as bookkeeper for ophthalmologist Dr. Charles Browning.

She was active in the Parents Club at Star of the Sea School and in the Altar Society and Catholic Daughters of America at St. Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Church. She served as executive director of the Alcoholism and Referral Center in the 1960s and, as a member of the board of directors, was instrumental in getting the mental health clinic started in Astoria. She volunteered for the Red Cross Bloodmobile for more than 10 years. She was active at the Astoria Golf & Country Club until her health no longer permitted golfing, remaining a social member up until her death.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by three sons and two daughters-in-law, William R. and Marlene Elder of Newberg, Richard A. and Patricia Elder of Astoria and Donald Elder of Boise, Idaho; a daughter and son-in-law, Sandra and Shawn O’Kelley of Hillsboro; 15 grandchildren, William Elder Jr. of Portland, Rachel Meads and her husband, Shawn, of Beaverton, Matthew, Daniel and Aaron Elder of Newberg, Leah Diaz and her husband, Francisco, of Tigard, Peter Elder and his wife, Brandi, of Vancouver, Wash., Scott Elder of Eugene, Sarah Elder of Astoria, Jason Elder and his wife, Kim, of Boise, Jennifer Elder of Las Vegas, John Koskela and his wife, Amber, of Chelan, Wash., Catherine Elder of Hillsboro, Lindsay O’Kelley of Naselle, Wash., and Nicole Browning and her husband, Tom, of Rosburg, Wash.; 18 great-grandchildren; two sisters and a brother-in-law, Winifred Doran and Frances Crandall and her husband, George, all of Portland; a sister-in-law, Margaret Woods of Corvallis; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by a sister and brother in law, Marie and Charles Young; three brothers-in-law, Chuck Woods, Walter Bridwell and Donald Doran; a sister-in-law, Mildred Bridwell; and a daughter-in-law, Linda Elder.

A recitation of the rosary will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 25, with a funeral Mass at 11 a.m., at St. Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Astoria. After the funeral, there will be a graveside service with vault interment at Ocean View Cemetery in Warrenton, followed by a reception at the Astoria Elks Lodge, 453 11th St.

Memorial contributions may be given to the St. Mary, Star of the Sea Memorial Fund, 1465 Grand Ave., Astoria, OR 97103.

Caldwell’s Luce-Layton Mortuary in Astoria is in charge of the arrangements. An online guest book can be signed at www.caldwellsmortuary.com