Elaine Madeline Duval Gauthier, 72, of Bristol, formerly of Brigham Road in Worcester, died Monday, October 27 surrounded by her family after losing her brave battle with cancer. She leaves her soul mate and “prince charming” of 18 years, Larry E. Behr; five children, Susan J. Leboeuf and her husband Joel E. Novak of Charlton and their children Jason and Kristen; David W. Gauthier and his wife Celeste of Palm City, FL and their children Kyle, Nicole and Andrew; Anne M. McConville and her husband Michael of Charlton and their children Meghan, Erin, Michael and Patrick; James P. Gauthier and his wife April of Moosup, CT and their children Stephanie and Sean; Jennifer L. Hardy and her husband Dow of Marlborough and their children Vivienne, Tyler, Angelique, Jacob, Nathan and Evan. She also leaves her sister, Linda Albrecht of Woodstock Valley, CT; two brothers, Alfred Duval of Southbridge and Robert Duval of Webster; her former husband, John G. Gauthier of Worcester, several nephews and nieces. A sister Joanne Morgan predeceased her.

   She was born in Woonsocket, RI, daughter of Ernest and Madeline (Livernoche) Duval, graduated from Bartlett High School and Quinsigamond Community College. While living in Worcester, Elaine worked for Sheraton Hotels and in later years while living in Southbury, CT she worked for the Stamford Advocate and then USA Today as a manager in the circulation and distribution departments. She was a longtime member of Christ the King Church and enjoyed sewing, gardening, camping, reading and sailing. She especially enjoyed travelling and most recently had discovered the majestic beauty of our National Parks having traveled west twice within the past two years. Elaine was a loving and caring woman who found a special quality in each member of her family and friends. She adored spending time with her grandchildren and made each of them feel special and loved.

   The funeral will be held on Thursday, October 30th from CALLAHAN & FAY BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 61 Myrtle St., Worcester with a Mass at 11 AM in Christ the King Church, 1052 Pleasant Street. Burial will be in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. Visiting hours are Wednesday, October 29th from 5-8 PM in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Hope Guardian Fund, P.O. Box 1627, Bristol, CT 06011. This fund will help the Hope Clinic in Bristol, CT continue to provide enduring hope to others during their journey with cancer.