From Sharon Adams Suver:

Elaine passed away this afternoon (1-18-2023). She had a kidney transplant 30 years ago, developed cellulitus a week ago, and her kidney failed. She was doing fine but developed breathing difficulties and seizures, and was put on a respirator. Life support was disconnected last night. Her husband has been in contact with me every day. I don't know anything about services yet. She led a wonderful, productive life and will be missed by all who knew her.

Obituary for Elaine Welles Hale

Elaine Welles Hale, beloved Wife, Mother and Grandmother, passed away peacefully on January 18, 2023 at Orlando Regional Medical Center Hospital in Orlando Florida.

Known as just “E”, to many loved ones, Elaine was born to William Harley Johnson and Norma (Vacek) Johnson, on September 23, 1952 in Baltimore, Maryland. After the family moved to Orlando, Elaine attended local schools including Pine Hills Elementary, Lyman High School and Rollins College, (Music).

Elaine told many stories of growing up with music, band camp, and competitions, playing Trumpet,(not some Girlie instrument), as her Dad had played in a bugle corps, and marching band in the Military. Elaine excelled in distance swimming, and in later life competed in Ultramarathon cycling events.

In the late 1970s, she trained as a ward secretary at Orange Memorial Hospital in their newly created , ICU, then later moved close to Florida Hospital, working in the Psychiatric inpatient unit, and then Pediatrics. She met her future husband during his Family Practice Residency training there.

Elaine is survived by youngest son Robert, his wife Nira, grandson Dustin, and husband Steven. William, their oldest son, predeceased her, as well as both of her parents. Mother Theresa said: “Give your hands to serve and your heart to love.” Elaine volunteered her time and service in her community for decades. Starting with schools, where she tutored kids in reading, presented a “bicycle safety” program she created to many classes, and filled out “Post Card” vaccine reminders to parents, by hand, for the Health Department. She later became active in PTA, then president.

Many other leadership roles at local and state levels followed over the years including serving as President of the Orange County Medical Society Alliance, the Florida Medical Association Alliance, and the Southern Medical Association Alliance. She also was active, with the Scottish American Society of Central Florida, Drug Free Coalition and Anti-Tobacco Coalition/Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT).

During these may decades of volunteer work for community service organizations and their many projects, she has positively influenced the lives of thousands, and she has been loved by hundreds. Besides her family and close friends, she will be missed by many.