Elaine Jacobs Lord ... former selectmen's clerk: at 99

MILTON - Elaine Jacobs Lord, 99, loved mother, avid gardener, and lifelong Red Sox fan, died on January 26, 2025, at her daughter's home in Westford, Mass.

Born three months premature to Harry and Elizabeth (Garnett) Jacobs on January 19, 1926, Elaine weighed under three pounds. The doctor didn't think she'd survive. "Guess I showed him!" she'd joke telling the story. That strength served Elaine well throughout her life.

Elaine grew up in East Rochester and graduated from Spaulding High School, where she made lifelong friends. She worked at Bell Telephone, Milton (NH) Elementary School, and served as Clerk to the Selectmen and Town Treasurer of Milton.

In 1958, Elaine married Earl Lord, and they welcomed two daughters: Andrea Carey and Cynthia Lord (John Bald). They were beloved grandparents to Matthew Carey (Bridget Milligan), Julia Ramsbald (Steff Ramsbald), Gregory Bald, and Eric Carey. At age 98, Elaine held her first great-grandson, Lucas Carey.

She was predeceased by her husband of 54 years, Earl Lord, and her son-in-law, Michael Carey.

Elaine's perfect day was a summer day at her home on the lake in Milton, a (winning) Red Sox game on the radio, surrounded by her gardens, with her knitting in her lap. Elaine made beautiful sweaters for her grandchildren. She also donated many mittens to the Bethany United Methodist Church Christmas fairs.

A lifelong church member, Elaine attended the Bethany Women's Group, sang in the choir, and served as the church's Financial Secretary. Bethany was her second home, and three generations of her family were married there.