Elaine Ann Newstrand Gherty, age 77, of Woodbury, passed away October 13, 2021 after a long courageous battle with cancer at New Perspectives Senior Living in Woodbury, Minnesota. Elaine was born on August 6, 1944 in Minneapolis and was later adopted by her parents Marion E. (Berg) and Arthur C. Newstrand. She grew up in Mankato, MN and graduated from Mankato West High School in 1962. After graduation Elaine worked as an accountant keeping books and records for various agencies working the longest for Jewish Family Services in St. Paul, MN. Though having moved to the St. Paul area, Elaine continued to stay in touch and was close with her Mankato high school friends and family. Elaine was united in marriage to Lawrence Patrick Gherty on June 18, 1988.

Throughout her life Elaine enjoyed traveling, experiencing new adventures, and meeting new people, which she and Larry did a lot during their 27-year marriage. Along with their beloved cats, Snooper, Charlie, and Max, they traveled in their RV around the country regularly stopping to visit relatives and friends. They often traveled with close friends Don and LeAnn Sederholm and would make a point to visit Elaine’s life-long friends, Jimmy and Geri McCarthy in Colorado. Up until Larry’s death, they would head out in early December making their way to New Orleans to stay through the holidays with Larry’s daughters, Kelly (Julius) and Becky, and grandchildren, Julius II and Nolan. During the summer months, they would escape on most weekends to their place on Balsam Lake, WI, where they would enjoy the company of their many friends, and entertain visitors passing through or stopping to stay awhile. An avid animal lover, Elaine loved going to Balsam Lake and was known to entertain the children at the campground searching for turtles and other creatures.

Elaine was a caring, kind-hearted person who was not afraid to speak her mind. She was used to being independent and making her own decisions. She was a child of God and remained faithful up until her death. She was an animal lover and advocate for those who suffered. Elaine belonged to many clubs and groups, but without a doubt was most involved with her bowling league and the Red Hat Society. She greatly enjoyed going on annual trips with her bowling friends to bowling conferences and attending regular luncheons with the “Red Hats.” Elaine’s friend circle was extremely important to her, and she held them near and dear to heart throughout her life. She will be missed by her many dear friends.

Elaine will remain in the hearts of her three stepdaughters, Kelly (Julius) Gherty Butler, Dawn Gherty, and Becky Gherty; step-grandchildren Julius II and Nolan Butler; brother-in-law, Mark (Maeta) Gherty; sisters-in-law, Barbara Moore, Joni (Douglas) Henningsen, Mary (Arthur) Gherty Lehman, Maureen (Chris) Tuggle; many cousins, nieces, and nephews; and many many close and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Larry; her parents, Arthur and Marion Newstrand, her close friend and “second mother,” Dorothy Taylor, and stepson, Larry Pat Gherty.

A Celebration of Elaine’s life will take place from 10:00 – 12:00 on Wednesday, October 20, 2021 at O’Connell Family Funeral Home, 520 11th Street South, Hudson WI 54016. Service will commence at 11:00 a.m. Internment will immediately follow the service at Willow River Cemetery. The family respectfully requests that all guests wear a mask at all times during the celebration.