Mystic — Alice Elaine Sloan, 88, of Mystic died Saturday, March 23, 2024, at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital in New London after a brief illness. She was born Feb. 20, 1936, in New London, the daughter of the late Wilbert and Isabelle (Ploszaj) Marvin. She was raised in Colchester where she graduated from Bacon Academy in 1954.
Elaine met her late husband John at the dance hall in Chester after his honorable discharge from the Army when he returned from the Korean War. When they married in 1959, she moved to Mystic where she enjoyed the home that he built for them until her passing.
Elaine was passionate about community service in many forms. She took pride as a literacy volunteer to help new immigrants learn English, regularly volunteered at the soup kitchen and was “Sunshine Lady” for many organizations where she often sent out well wishes to those that were in need. She was a great listener when others needed to talk and was always ready with a firm hug. If she was bringing something to a potluck event, you could bet it would be potato salad or a homemade pie.
She was a proud member of the Groton Senior Center Club 55 and North Stonington Golden Ages.
While she loved the social network, she spoke often of the money that they raised for scholarships for high school students.
She was an Avon lady for years. Her focus was never on getting others to work for her, but rather the opportunity to see her friends and provide them with a product that they needed or wanted. There was always plenty of Skin-So-Soft in the household. She was a dedicated member of the Mystic Congregational Church since the mid 1960s and volunteered for many of the committees throughout the years. She most loved the fellowship and being a part of the Christmas Tea and Bazaar, especially bringing her friends to the event.
Elaine’s love for local history led her to the Salem Historical Society where she served as historian. If there was an article in a local paper about something historical for the area, it was likely that she cut it out to share with her family and friends. That interest extended to family history, particularly with old photographs where she categorized them for albums to share with others.
Elaine enjoyed travelling to new places, particularly cruising, and was always up for an adventure. Whether snorkeling in the Caribbean or being a passenger in a single engine airplane, she felt life should be lived to the fullest. Her favorite vacation was the Alaskan cruise with her family to celebrate her 80th birthday.
Elaine is best known for her musical talent. She loved to play the piano as well as harmonize whenever she had the opportunity. She was a former Sweet Adeline, a member of the SeaGals and the SeaNotes and was thrilled to sing the National Anthem at Dodd Stadium as part of a quartet. She was a member of her church choir for many years but found her true calling when she joined the bell choir. She was always drawn to music and could carry the tune until the very end, even without her pitchpipe. Her musical interests were not limited to singing, as she also loved to square dance. She enjoyed many years with the Surfside Eight Square Dancers and Sound Steppers Dance Club in Old Saybrook.
Elaine is survived by her daughters, Julie Joaquin and her husband David of Colchester and Ellen McCaskill and her husband Justin of Montgomery, Texas; grandsons, Nicholas Joaquin and Ryan Joaquin and his fiancée Chelsea DeTuccio of Colchester; her brothers, Everett and Gretchen Marvin and Walter “Bud” and Susan Marvin.
Family and friends are invited to calling hours from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, April 1, at the Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street, Mystic. A Funeral Service will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Mystic Congregational Church, 43 East Main Street, Mystic. Burial will follow in Elm Grove Cemetery, Mystic.
Donations in her memory may be made to the Club 55 Scholarship Fund at Thrive 55+ Active Living Center (formerly Groton Senior Center), 45 Fort Hill Road, Groton, CT 06340, the Mystic Congregational Church Memorial Gift Fund, 43 East Main Street, Mystic, CT 06355 or to a charity of choice.