Elaine Burridge Tonnesen died June 20, 2024, at the age of 90 years.

She was born in Freeport, Texas on September 26, 1933. Elaine attended Freeport schools graduating in 1951. Soon after she married R. J. ''Bob'' Tonnesen in Freeport where they welcomed three children.

They were members of St. Mary's Star of the Sea Catholic Church.

In 1976, Bob and Elaine made their home in Jones Creek, Texas. Never idle, Elaine became a successful entrepreneur co-opening two beloved sandwich shops with her very dearest friend, Della Vallot in Freeport, The Lunch Pail and The Lunch Box. Many of her recipes have been shared and are favorites of family gatherings. She was known to be an outstanding cook and enjoyed entertaining family and friends for food and games.

Elaine was proud to be appointed and serving as Judge for Municipal Court of Jones Creek, Texas.

In 1996 Elaine and Bob moved to Plano, Texas, to be near family. She volunteered her time at Allen Presbyterian Hospital continuing to make many new life-long friends.

She returned to the Brazosport area in 2016 residing in Plantation Villa in Lake Jackson. She loved the residents there. It was the days of pina coladas and margaritas served on hot summer evenings, earning her the unofficial title of Social Director. Elaine had a dynamic sense of humor that kept things lively and fun.

Elaine was a devoted Catholic and served many hours to the Catholic Daughters of America. She had a savvy sense of style, always dressed to the nines. Elaine kept an impeccable home that she loved to decorate with the newest colors and trends.

Her happiest times were spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She will be remembered as a loving, strong, fun matriarch and will be greatly missed.

Elaine was preceded in death by her loving husband, R.J. ''Bob'' Tonnesen; parents Charles and Effie Burridge; brothers Charlie Burridge, Moby Burridge, and Earl Burridge; and sister Charlene Pascall.

She is survived by sister Hazel and husband, Troy, Ward; sons Randy Tonnesen and wife, Georgeanna, Ricky Tonnesen; and daughter Tammy Weinstein and husband, Hank; grandchildren Travis Tonnesen, Jon Paul Tonnesen and wife, Erin, Alyson Kocerek and husband, Mickey, Ashley Swansey and husband, Michael, Alyssa Haddix, Mandi Weinstein, and Kelli Weinstein; great-grandchildren Wesley Haddix, Josie Tonnesen, Levi Tonnesen, and Scout Swansey; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral mass will be held Friday, June 28, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Michael's the Archangel Catholic Church, 100 Oak Drive S, Lake Jackson.
Remembrances can be made through contributions to the Cerebral Palsy Foundation at www.yourcpf.org.

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