Elaine Dart Barnes

Miriam Elaine Dart was born on August 31,1927, in Bridgeton, New Jersey, the only child of William Andrew Dart and Mildred Marie Dart (nee Pierce). Elaine’s’ early years were spent in Bridgeton, where she lived with her maternal grandparents, Warren W. Pierce and Lillian Willets Pierce, and older cousins Harold and Lawrence Pierce. While not there during the week, her parents visited every weekend from Atlantic City, NJ. At the age of twelve Elaine moved to Atlantic City to live with her parents. Here she completed her junior high and senior high school years. Her lifelong love for the beach developed during these years of living five blocks from the Atlantic City boardwalk. Pictures can be found of Elaine-from teenager to senior citizen- enjoying the beach all over the world. In 1947 Elaine received a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from New York University. After working for a few years as a social worker for Atlantic County, NJ, she moved to Philadelphia, PA to pursue a master’s degree in social work from the University of Pennsylvania. Upon earning her degree, Elaine took a job with Children’s Services in Philadelphia, a non-profit social service agency that provides foster care, adoption, and other supports to children, youth, and families. During her early years in Philadelphia, Elaine met S. Blumfield (known as Blum to most people) Barnes. The two were married in 1954. Elaine and Blum were blessed with two daughters, Beverly Lynn, and Karla Dart. To better care for her family when her children became school aged, Elaine left Children’s Services for a position as a junior high school counselor with the Philadelphia Public School system. She retired after 25 years of service to care for her husband when his health began to fail. Even in her retirement years, Elaine continued her family legacy of service through volunteer work. Volunteering with the Retired Seniors Volunteer Program of Montgomery County, PA, her church, and several schools, Elaine found new opportunities to help others. She made lasting friendships through these experiences. Besides her volunteer work, Elaine stayed active in retirement by regularly attending exercise classes, going to the theater and movies, dining out with friends, and traveling. A 46-year breast cancer survivor, and a survivor of colon cancer, Elaine was proud to participate in activities and functions that raised awareness and money for cancer support and research. She maintained a positive attitude throughout her lifetime and sought to be a good role model for other women facing this disease. Elaine had an adventurous side, and she and Blum loved to travel. In 1955, at a time of considerable social unrest in our country, the two, along with a dear friend, drove across the United States from New York City to Mexico City on a vacation. Elaine continued to travel throughout her life. She was an excellent travel partner and enjoyed many wonderful trips with family and friends. Some of her most fascinating trips occurred when Elaine was in her 70’s and 80’s. At 79, Elaine traveled to Tanzania and Botswana where she enjoyed several safari adventures. Two years later, she returned to Africa to see the Great Pyramids and cruise the Nile River. Her final overseas trip was at the age of 88. Elaine never imagined she would have the opportunity to travel as she did, and she was extremely grateful for all of her opportunities to see the world. Pictures and memories of her travel brought Elaine much joy until the end of her life. Described as compassionate, gracious, and generous, Elaine had a kind heart and a great sense of humor. She was known for the twinkle in, and the rolling of, her beautiful green eyes. Elaine had a deep love of family and friends. She would often tell us, “I love you all, dearly!” Although her struggles with dementia caused her to lose short term and some long term memory, Elaine never forgot the people she loved! She was predeceased by her daughter, Beverly Lynn in 2021, and her husband, Blumfield in 1990. Left to cherish her wonderful spirit are her daughter, Karla, Son-in -law, Kevin, and many dear family members and friends. Donations can be made in Elaine’s memory to one of the following organizations: African American Breast Cancer Alliance Living Beyond Breast Cancer Dementia Society of America UNICEF USA, K.I.N.D. Fund (Kids In Need of Desks)

Tributes

Elaine Dart Barnes

August 31, 1927 - January 28, 2023