Elaine M. Smith (née Martinez), 74, of Wildwood, Missouri, passed away on Sunday, January 18th, 2026 with family after multiple health struggles. Elaine was the beloved wife of 49 years to Vernon C. Smith; devoted mother of Rebecca (Kris) Yust and Lindsey (Adam) Wood; cherished grandmother of Lainey, Abigail, Vincent, and Cecilia; dear sister of Raymond (Tricia) Martinez, Ron (Karen) Martinez and the late Leo Martinez; dear aunt of Maxwell, Mitchell, Madeline, and Jacob; dear sister-in-law Tracy Pohl, cousin, and friend to many.

Born on February 1st, 1951, in the Carondelet area of St. Louis, Missouri, Elaine attended St. Mary and Joseph Catholic School, St. Anthony's High School, and Forest Park Community College Nursing School.

Known for her silly antics, outgoing personality, and genuine love of connecting with and helping others, Elaine built many lasting friendships throughout her life. She cherished keeping family and friends close and was a nurturer who thrived on caring for those around her.

Professionally, Elaine served as a school librarian and classroom aide at Incarnate Word School while her daughters attended elementary school there, a school nurse with the Special School District, case management at St. Luke's Hospital, and as a seamstress creating custom draping and décor for her son-in-law's wedding production company. Elaine approached every project with persistence and a commitment to quality, always aiming to bring a perfect product to others.

Elaine loved to stay busy and had endless hobbies. In her younger years, she enjoyed socializing with family playing Scrabble and participating in the Spanish American Girls Society of St. Louis. Later in her life, Elaine enjoyed making food for others experiencing difficulty, bowling leagues with her Green Trails neighbors, creating elaborate shower decorations for children of friends, creating custom cards, quilting with the Bits 'N Pieces Guild, and participating in Bible study and ACTS retreats with Holy Redeemer Catholic Parish.

Known to others for her animated character, Elaine was always down for a party and found various reasons to celebrate. She loved a good Manhattan and had a social battery that would last well beyond others.

Above all, Elaine's generous spirit shone brightest in her role as family matriarch. Affectionately known as "Uela" to Lainey, Vincent, Abigail, and Ceci, and "Aunt Elaine" to Maxwell, Mitchell, and Madeline, she showered her grandchildren, niece, and nephews with endless texts, comforting words, spontaneous trips, treats, and unwavering support. She would bend over backwards to help family and friends in any way she could.

Services: Visitation will be held at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church on Saturday, February 14th at 10 AM followed by Mass at 11 AM. In accordance with Elaine's wishes, cremation has taken place and a private family interment will be held. In lieu of flowers, Elaine requested donations may be made to charities that are very dear to her, Places for People (a St. Louis nonprofit providing recovery-based mental health and substance use treatment) or Angels' Arms (a local organization supporting foster families and keeping sibling groups together in loving homes). Friends may sign the family's online guestbook at SCHRADER.com.

Elaine will be remembered as a warm, funny, outgoing, and giving soul whose unique spirit touched everyone fortunate enough to know her. Her legacy of nurturing, creativity, and connection lives on in her family and the many lives she brightened.