Elaine L. Cawley, 90, of Indiana, died Monday, October 26, 2026, at Heritage Grove Personal Care Home, Indiana. Born in Altoona, July 4, 1936, she was the daughter of the late Leo F. and Magdalen M. (Schmitt) Dodson. She was preceded in death by her husband, James F. Cawley, whom she married on January 30, 1960, and by her brother, Robert L. Dodson.
Elaine was a resident of Indiana since 1967 and was a member of St. Bernard of Clairvaux Roman Catholic Church. She was also a member of the Catholic Daughters of America, Court 339 for more than 25 years. Elaine was a member of the Election Board (First Ward) for 11 years.
Her volunteer experience includes the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Salvation Army, and Christian Counseling.
Elaine is survived by her four children: James F. Cawley Jr. and his wife, Diane of Indiana; John P. Cawley and his wife, Heather of Pittsburgh; Marianne Cawley and her husband, Bob of Lower Burrell; and Thomas L. Cawley and his partner, Chris Hayes, of Rehoboth Beach, DE. She will be missed by her six grandchildren: Jessica and Erica Pecsenye; Chelsea, Kaitlin, Kevin Cawley, and Elizabeth Cawley.
A rosary service will begin at 1:30 PM Monday afternoon November 2nd at the Rairigh-Bence Funeral Home & Crematory. Visitation will follow from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM at the funeral home. A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday morning, November 3rd at 10 AM at St. Bernard of Clairvaux Church, Indiana. Fr. Richard Owens, O.F.M. Cap, celebrant. Entombment will follow at the St. Bernard Cemetery Mausoleum.
A special thank you to Elaine’s best friends: Francine Walker and Pat O’Hara. She also wishes to acknowledge her dear friends Nancy Savino and Marti Hughes, who preceded her in death. Finally, Elaine would also like to be remembered by her “Monday” friends at St. Vincent de Paul, as well as everyone at Heritage Grove, who greatly enriched her life.
Memorial donations may be made to St. Bernard of Clairvaux Roman Catholic Church: 200 Clairvaux Drive, Indiana, Pa 15701.
Online condolence may be made by visiting rbfh.com
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