Elvie T. Wise passed away in the early hours of March 16 at age 96 in her home in Foxfire Village. Born February 5, 1922 in Pittsburgh, PA to John Y. (Jack) and Irene Thames, El is predeceased by her elder brother Jack, who lost his life in service to his country during World War II. Widowed in 2010, El is survived by daughters Pam McKelvey and Karen Schlesinger, their husbands Ed and Jay, five grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren.

El attended Carnegie Tech, where she met Jim Wise, her husband of 68 years. By El’s account, he swept her off her feet by crooning what would become their song, “All the Things that You Are.” She lived up to that description throughout her life as she and Jim both served in civilian capacities during World War II and then raised their family first in California, then in Cleveland. Her daughters remember El fondly as a supportive wife and as a full-time devoted mother, always putting their interests and activities ahead of her own. Pam and Karen deeply value their parents as role models who were equal partners in marriage in every way. El always described herself as a “practical woman,” but she was being characteristically modest. In fact she confronted all her challenges with enormous strength and composure.

El was wise in more than name, as she offered guidance and unusual insights to both family and friends. Known for her impish sense of humor, she enjoyed playing bridge and golfing with her Foxfire friends. For El, friends were always a close second to family. She often said “we like to laugh together.”

As El takes leave of family and friends, Pam and Karen can almost hear Dad singing

“You are the angel glow that lights a star
The dearest things I know are what you are

Some day my happy arms will hold you
And some day I’ll know that moment divine
When all the things you are, are mine”

The family wishes to take this opportunity to thank El’s caregivers, whose skill and loving devotion gave comfort not only to her but to them. In respect of El’s wishes, the memorial will be for family only. Those who would like to honor her may wish to consider a donation either to Hospice or to the Alzheimer’s Association.

To send flowers or a remembrance gift to the family of Elvie Kathleen Wise, please visit Boles’ Tribute Store.

Mrs. Wise’s family and friends are in our thoughts and prayers at Sandhills Sentinel.

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