Elaine Z. Schade, 93, died Sunday, October 28, 2018, after a brief illness. She was born in South Beloit, Illinois, but came to the Peninsula in 1943 after marrying Bob Schade. Elaine will be remembered by those who knew her as a loving Christian who focused on helping others.

Mrs. Schade was a member of Memorial Baptist Church for more than 60 years where she served as a teacher of youth and adult Sunday School for a total of more than 50 years, Chairman of the By-Laws Committee, Chairman of the Woman's Missionary Union, Deacon, Moderator and Chairman of Church Council, as well as many other positions in the church. She was also active in the Peninsula Baptist Association, chairing various committees and serving as a member of the Executive Board of the Peninsula Woman's Missionary Union for 20 years. Elaine also taught Bible Study Class at Shelton-on-the-Bay Retirement Center for 30 years.

The Wythe Woman's Club was an important part of Elaine's life for more than 50 years where she held various positions, including Secretary, Vice President, and President, and led many of the club's civic activities.

One of her favorite hobbies was gardening, and she participated in local garden clubs. Other interests included reading, writing, poetry, handicrafts, and most of all, people.

Elaine touched so many individuals as a natural outcome of her Christian spirit. She was a devoted wife and mother, caring grandmother and great-grandmother, and loving sister and aunt.

Survivors include her children, David R. Schade of Columbia, SC, and Kathryn S. Kalasinsky of Olney, MD; a daughter-in-law, Linda B. Schade; a son-in-law, Victor F. Kalasinsky; a sister, Jeanne Watson of Hampton; a brother, Raymond Zedekar of Houston, TX; a sister-in-law, Shelby Zedekar; three grandchildren, Robin A. Schade of Columbia, SC, Elana McElroy Royster of Augusta, GA, and Victoria K. Schulman of Stamford, CT; four great-grandchildren, Matthew McElroy, Joshua McElroy, Gregory Schulman, and Anna Schulman; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert O. Schade; a sister, Marion Johnson; and a grandson, Nicholas Kalasinsky.

The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday evening, November 2, at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home, downtown Hampton. There will be a funeral service at 2 p.m. Saturday in Memorial Baptist Church with the Rev. Larry Biermann officiating, with a luncheon reception preceding at 12:30 in the Social Hall of the church. Following the service, interment will be at Parklawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the Memorial Baptist Church General Fund, 317 Lee St., Hampton, VA 23669.