Obituary: Elaine Guerrera, 1937-2023

Elaine Guerrera died peacefully while embraced by her family. Born in
Waterbury, Conn., Elaine made her home in Vermont in 1979, where she
had a long career in medical administration work leading to medical
transcribing. She spent many years at Porter Medical Center in
Middlebury before moving to Burlington. She was then employed for
many years at Urology Associates and Aesculapius Medical Center
before retiring to pursue a life of travel and art.

Elaine then
spent a year in St. Croix, where she has family, fulfilling her dream
of living at the beach. She returned to Vermont to support the
upbringing of many grandchildren. When asked what her belief system
was, her answer was “family and love,” and it was apparent in
every way, every day.

Her talent for
art started at a young age and continued throughout her life. As a
new parent with young children, she encouraged art of all mediums.
She continued to share this love with her grandchildren and
great-grandchildren. Art was her therapy long before “art therapy.”

Elaine was the
epitome of her name’s meaning, “a bright, shining light,” with
a sparkling smile and a soul that would never pass judgment. Love is
what she believed in, and love is what she spread.

Elaine is
survived by her husband, John MacFarlane; her son, Barry Vaccarelli,
and his wife, Joan; her daughter Elizabeth Robbins; her daughter
Susan Vaccarelli and her husband, Phil Seeley; her grandchildren,
Noah, Theresa, Jennifer, Autumn, Alexandria, Cooper, Zachary and
Ellie; and many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, who hold her
in their hearts.

She is
predeceased by her parents, Daniel and Phylis Guerrera; her brother,
Dan “Butch” Guerrera; and her sister, Sandy Pierpont.

Our
family would like to thank the McClure Miller Respite House and the
hospice team who comforted her and took great care of Elaine.

The family
will hold a celebration of life in spring 2024.

“How
lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”
—Winnie the Pooh

This article appears in Dec 6-12, 2023.