Elaine K. Finklea, 83, was active here

Elaine Kelleam Finklea of Brookfield, formerly of Ridgefield, died on Sunday, Feb. 20, 2005, at Filosa Convalescent home in Danbury. She was 83 years old.

Elaine Kelleam was born in Amarillo, Texas, on Sept. 21, 1921, the daughter of Dr. Fanan and Heba Kelleam. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder. She met and married Ernest E. Finklea, a research engineer for Schlumberger, who was transferred to Schlumberger Research Center in Ridgefield as an executive in 1960.

Mrs. Finklea was very active in the Ridgefield community, especially in the PTA, Girl Scouts, and the First Congregational Church. She was also active with the Bethel Congregation of Jehovah Witnesses. She and her husband moved to Bethel when he retired in 1985.

Mr. Finklea died in 1997.

Mrs. Finklea is survived by three sons, Ernest E. Finklea III of Arizona, Dr. James N. Finklea of Ridgefield, and Philip A. Finklea of Bethel; one daughter, Ellen J. Vozzo of Walkill, N.Y.; five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah Witnesses, 48 Payne Road, Danbury on Saturday, Feb. 26, at 1:30. Burial will be private.

The Hull Funeral Home, 215 Greenwood Avenue, Bethel is in charge of arrangements.

A Requiem Mass will be celebrated at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in New York City at a later date.