On January 9, 2026 our Mom Elaine (Herries) (Hanson) Weeks at 103 years old received her Angel Wings and made her journey to Heaven. Elaine was a native of Rochester, being born on July 29, 1922. She attended Rochester Schools and was proud of being a member of the First graduating class of the new Spaulding High School. Elaine was the only child of Dorothy and George Herries.

Elaine met George Hanson while in high school at church and they married shortly after graduation. Soon she was a new wife with a husband overseas in WWII and writing letters while anxiously waiting for his return.

Once he returned from the service, they made the decision to move to California to expand their future. In California they began their growing family by having four children, Thomas, Judith, Daniel and Susan. They settled in newly growing Orange County California and Mom loved her role as a Mom becoming known as the neighborhood Mom and kids would always be found playing in her yard or gathering in the garage.

Mom was a strong courageous women for her time as it was not common to be a single mother in the community they lived, but Mom was strong in her faith and her church family supported her through the challenges of navigating a new life on her own. She continued to be there for her children, while working and going to school at night to improve her skills. She set the example for her kids that no matter what happens you work hard, have faith, and never give up.

Once her youngest daughter graduated from High School, Mom knew it was time to return home to Rochester and begin her next chapter of her life while helping support her Mother through health challenges. She bravely packed up and drove across the country with her dog and a CB Radio with the handle of SnowTop and Fritz.

Mom re-established friendships and made many new friends. During this time Mom got reacquainted with her childhood friend Merritt “Brud” Weeks. Brud had lost his beloved first wife earlier after they both had just retired. Mom and Brud began a friendship which grew into love and a marriage which lasted over 40 years. The two would drive back and forth across the country visiting friends and family or snow ski and snow shoe all winter and spend time at the “big lake” all summer. They enjoyed tending to their very popular vegetable garden and flowers and always out bird watching. They supported their blended family and when something was needed they were there. Mom supported Brud through the tough times of losing a son and then a daughter and he supported her when she lost her Mother.

Mom lost her beloved Bruddy one month shy of his 100th birthday in 2021 and continued to live with her daughter in the home she was raised thanks to the love and support of her church community, her wonderful caregivers Lynn, Donna and Betsy as well as the incredible team at Wentworth Hospice whose help and guidance made it possible for Mom to be where she wanted to be most, with her gardens and birds as she waited for God to call her home at 103. Special thanks to Karen, Sharon, and Kristin of Wentworth Hospice for their special love and care they provided Mom and our entire family.

Mom leaves behind her four children and stepson, Thomas (Paula) Hanson, Judith Hanson Chipman, Daniel (Ofelia) Hanson, Susan (Randy) Richardson and Jim (Ginny) Weeks. She also leaves 7 Grandchildren, Brian, Shelby, Ashley, Lainie, Kyle, Annie and Jennifer in addition to 9 great grandchildren as well Dr. Bob and Diane Christian she considered as family. Mom’s beloved church family and many friends will miss her bright outlook and visits.

Mom will be laid to rest next to Brud at the Rochester Cemetery on Franklin Street on Monday, June 1st with a Celebration of a life well lived to be held at the Governors Inn patio Rochester between 12:00 – 3:00 pm. Where we will share stories and enjoy the wonderful times we were blessed to have with Mom.