Elaine F. Borders

Elaine Fay Borders, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away on October 14, 2026, at the age of 85.

Born on January 3, 1941, in Mishawaka, Indiana, to Joseph and Margaret McCandlish, Elaine spent her entire life in the South Bend/Mishawaka area. She was the mother of two sons, Jim and Steve.

At age 16, Elaine began working at the fountain counter at Kresge’s 5 & 10. After completing shorthand training, she went on to build a 30-year career as a professional secretary. With her strong typing and grammar skills, she worked for several companies, including Fuller-O’Brien Paints and AM General Corporation. It was at Fuller-O’Brien that she met the love of her life, Sherman Borders.

Elaine married Sherman in 1974. Sherman had three children, Dale, Devon, and Becky, and together they built a wonderful life that spanned more than five decades. They found special joy in spending time with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Elaine loved opening their pool so the kids could gather, spending time with family, and traveling with Sherman. Easygoing by nature, she was known for her kind heart and ready sense of humor. People simply enjoyed being around her.

Elaine was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Sherman; her sister, Marilyn (McCandlish) Piatt; and Dale and Devon. She is survived by Jim (Roberta) and Steve (Lori); Becky; eight grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren, who were a constant source of joy in her life.

Elaine will be remembered as a loving wife, a devoted mother, and a woman whose kindness, humor, and generosity will live on through her family and friends for generations to come.

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 23, 2026 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM, with the funeral service beginning at 3:00 PM at McGann Hay University Chapel, 2313 Edison Road, South Bend, Indiana 46615

Memorial donations may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at https://nationalmssociety.org/donate.

To share memories or send condolences to the family, please visit mcgannhay.com