Elaine Z. Hoagland, 56

Elaine Z. Hoagland, 56, passed away Saturday, Oct. 21, 2006, at her home in Kalispell. She was born Jan. 14, 1950, in Jersey City, N.J., to Joseph and Sophie (Suprynowicz) Zabahonski.

Elaine received her early education, graduating from North Arlington High School in 1967. She then attended Rutgers University, where she received her bachelor's degree. School was very important to Elaine, and she went on to finish her master's in environmental science at the University of Connecticut. She graduated with honors.

Elaine married Michael Hoagland in Watchung, N.J., on May 27, 1972, and moved to the Flathead Valley in Montana that same year. Michael passed away in 1986.

She worked for the Columbia Falls Aluminum Plant for 19 years before switching careers and becoming an investment representative of Edward Jones.

Elaine enjoyed traveling; especially to exotic places. She enjoyed movies with her family and friends, writing, reading and church. She was a longtime volunteer for Compassion International and was a member of Soroptimist when she lived in Riverton, Wyo.

Elaine was an inspiration to all who knew her. "She loved the Lord and wanted people to share with her His wonderful love." Her children were her priority. She gave them so much love and everything they could ever need. She is a hero to many and will be missed by all her family and many friends throughout the country.

Elaine was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband, Michael Coldren Hoagland.

She is survived by one son, Joe Hoagland, and wife, Sarah, of Moorehead, Minn.; her daughter, Jennifer Hoagland, and husband, Ryan Nelson, of Kalispell; a stepson, John Hoagland, and his four children, Paula, Jacki, Michael and Chris. She is also survived by many cousins and relatives in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Funeral services for Elaine will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 26, at Faith Free Lutheran Church, with Pastor Steve Snipstead officiating. Burial will be afterward at the Bigfork Community Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2 to 6 p.m. today, Oct. 25, in the Johnson Mortuary chapel.

Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for Elaine's family.

This paid obituary is being run again at the request of the family.