Elaine Joan Giddis- beloved teacher, early feminist activist, and longtime resident of Cambridge MA- passed away on May 28, 2023 at age 88. Uniquely generous, kind, and caring- Elaine was cherished by all who knew her.

Elaine was a bright and engaged student at the elementary school of St Jean Basptiste Parish and Lowell High School. After receiving her BS in Education at Lowell State College, Elaine moved to the Boston area to begin her teaching career in 1955. She later received her Master's in Education at Boston State College (UMass Boston), and an MA in Literature from Wesleyan University.

Elaine was a dedicated teacher in the Bedford School District for 43 years, where she taught grades 4-6, and later, in 1982, transferred to the high school, where she taught English and Drama. She was an involved member of the school community- where she directed and managed the drama club, the creative writing magazine, and several other after school clubs.  After retiring from teaching, she worked at the Harvard Coop Bookstore in the Children's Book section.

Like all matters important to her, she committed herself 100%; and was known to be an exceptionally caring, creative, and patient teacher.

An educator and nurturer at heart, Elaine was also a feminist and political activist. She worked for and supported progressive social and political change her entire life. In the early 70's, Elaine joined other pioneers in the feminist movement at that time to advocate for equal rights for women with an objective to pass the ERA (Equal Rights Amendment) into law.  She became a member of NOW (National Organization for Women) in 1973, and by 1977, was President of the Boston Chapter.

She was also an active and influential member of the Education Task Force, a lobbying coalition that was instrumental in helping pass Title IX, federal legislation requiring equal opportunities for girls and women in education and athletics.

Elaine moved from Boston to Cambridge in the mid-1980's and made her home there for the next 34 yrs.  She was an active community member, and fully engaged in local, state, and national politics- including serving as Vice-Chair of the Democratic City Committee in Cambridge. In everything she did, Elaine was generous, hardworking and principled.

When Elaine was not working on behalf of others, she enjoyed art, the movies, poetry, attending classical music concerts, and spending time with her close friends.

Her legacy is one of caring for others with her full heart. She was a light to all members of her family and expansive group of friends.

She was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease in 2014. After years of home care in Cambridge, she moved to the Ridley Park, PA, area in 2018, where she was in close proximity to other caring family members, including her niece and sister. She resided at the Sunrise Senior Living Community-GraniteRun in Media, PA from 2018-2021, and then moved to the Little Flower Manor Nursing Home in Darby, PA, where she was cared for with compassion and dignity until her peaceful passing.

She is predeceased by her parents, Rolande I. Giddis, and Albert N.Giddis, her sister-in-law, Jacqueline O. Giddis, nephews Robert "Tally " Giddis, and Charles Giddis; and her dear friend John Moxley.  She is survived by her brother, Albert Roland Giddis of McKinleyille, CA,  sisters Andree de Champigny of Ridley Park, PA, and Diane Giddis (Steve Weller) of  NY, NY;  nieces Kim Kilchenstein of Cambridge, MA, Kirsten Savinese (Stan) , Anita Birnbaum, nephew, Jon Giddis(Judy) , grand nieces and nephews, and many dear friends- including Rosemary Trowbridge, Deborah Savarino and their families.

Friends and relatives are invited to her Memorial Service on June 20th at St. Joseph's Cemetery in Chelmsford, Massachusetts. In lieu of flowers, donations in Elaine's memory to a cause you are passionate about would be gratefully appreciated.