Sandra L. Elum

Sandra L. Elum, age 73, much loved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend left her Earthly pain behind and entered the Elysian Fields on August 4, 2013. She was born May 11, 1940 in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin to the late Richard and Freda (Jaber) Aseaf. Shortly thereafter, she and her mother relocated to Akron where she was nurtured by an extended family (the Jaber clan) and later gained a loving new father, the late Ned Staitz. Sandy attended St. Mary School (Akron) graduating in 1958. Upon graduation, she spent one year at Marygrove College in Michigan. She returned home, attended Akron U. earning a B.A. in Education in 1962; she was a Delta Gamma Sorority sister. She was employed by Akron Public Schools from 1962-1966 as a 2nd grade teacher at Mason Elementary. On October 15, 1966 she married Thomas J. Elum of Massillon. Sandy and Tommy had two beautiful children, Stephanie and Francis, whom they raised with love, pride and humor. They faced the trials of parenthood through acceptance and support, instilling the virtues of responsibility, respect and honesty in their children. Sandy was unique, intelligent, opinionated, hard-headed and a born comedienne. She loved her family, gardenias, sports (especially football), wildlife, "Law and Order", "Jeopardy", "Wheel of Fortune", "QVC" and political debate. It is quite probable that had she chosen a career in politics, the Congressional gridlock we now experience would not exist. Had she gone into comedy, she would have reached celebrity status. She is now in the presence of her parents, Ned and Freda Staitz; birth father, Richard Aseaf; in-laws, Francis and Rose Elum; maternal and paternal grandparents; other loving relatives and friends too numerous to mention. Her spirit remains in the hearts and souls of those loved ones she has temporarily left behind: her husband Tom Elum with whom she shared 47 years of marriage; daughter Stephanie (Don) Ilg; son Francis Elum; grandchildren Alexandra and Eli Ilg; sisters Joanne (Art) Barksdale and Michele Staitz; many other relatives (uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins); special cousin Eddie Nime; and a host of friends and neighbors. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 AM Wednesday, August 7 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church (Massillon), Father Raymond Paul will officiate. Burial will be at St. Joseph's Cemetery. Friends may call Tuesday from 5 PM until 8 PM at the Paquelet Funeral Home. The family would like to thank Maxim Home Health Care, Affinity Medical Center ICU Team, Select Specialty Hospital at Mercy, and Aultman Compassionate Care Center for their outstanding care for Sandy. Buy a gardenia, enjoy its sweet scent and think of her. The family would appreciate contributions to Memorial Fund of St. Joseph Church and the American Cancer Society. Messages of support and sympathy can be sent to the family at www.paquelet.com. Paquelet Funeral Home & Crematory 330-833-3222