Marian Mcelhaney Brainard

Marian McElhaney Brainard, age 89, of Elwood, Nebraska passed away on Saturday, October 14, 2017 at the Elwood Care Center, Elwood, Nebraska. She was born on March 31, 1928 in Plainview, Nebraska, to Eldridge and Harriett Jane (Robertson) McElhaney. She graduated from Benson High School in 1945. Marian achieved her Bachelor’s degree in 1949 from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. While attending the University she was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa, Mortar Board, Pi Lambda Theta, Pi Sigma Iota, Alpha Lambda Delta honoraries. She was a teacher at Wayne High School in Wayne, Nebraska from 1949-1950. Then she moved to Chicago, Illinois where she attended the University of Chicago and received her Master’s in 1951. Marian moved back to Nebraska and taught at Lincoln High School from 1951-1956. On June 30th, 1956 she married Owen Willis Brainard. They had two children Jane Alice & Donald Andrew. Marian taught at Elwood High School from 1964 to 1977. She was very passionate and volunteered with the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, & 4-H Club. She is a lifetime member of the United Methodist Church, serving as Sunday School superintendent, various positions in the United Methodist Women, and recording secretary. She helped with bloodmobile and was blood donor for many years. She was a very active member in the American Legion Auxiliary while serving as secretary. Marian was a proud mother and grandmother. You could find her spending time with family, reading a good book or checking cows with Owen. Proceeded in death by her parent Eldridge and Harriett McElhaney, sister Jane Bicek, brother John McElhaney. She was survived by her husband Owen Brainard, Daughter Jane Jack & husband Ron of Eustis, Nebraska, Donald Brainard & wife Ginger, Grandchildren: Michael Jack, Michelle Watkins (Kenneth), Adam and Karis Brainard. Condolences or personal reflections may be left at elwoodfuneralhome.com Viewing and visitation will be Tuesday, October 16, 2017 at 10 AM at the United Methodist Church in Elwood, Nebraska. Funeral services will be Tuesday, October 16, 2017 at 11 AM at the United Methodist Church in Elwood, Nebraska with Revs. Soonil Park and Greg Boller, officiating. Interment will be at the Elwood Cemetery, Elwood, Nebraska. Memorials are suggested to the United Methodist Church, Elwood, Nebraska. Elwood Funeral Home of Elwood, Nebraska is in charge of the arrangements.