Elaine Marie Baldini Straka
OBITUARY
Elaine Marie Baldini Straka, age 87, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, passed away on February 11, 2026, in Fort Myers, Florida. Despite a long and courageous battle with dementia, Mom would still greet you with kindness and a radiant smile. Everyone who met her was inspired by her warm and welcoming spirit. She was truly a ray of sunshine, always finding the good in everyone and everything.
Elaine was born in South Side – Scranton, PA. After graduating from high school, she worked diligently and saved her money wisely. She met the love of her life, Joseph Straka Jr., and they were married in June of 1960. Together, Elaine and Joe embraced their entrepreneurial spirit and opened the Cork n’ Fork restaurant in Dalton, PA, all while raising their three children: Karen, Joseph, and Alicia.
Elaine was known for her exceptional cooking. It brings us comfort to hear friends recall their favorite dishes and treasured meals from her kitchen. Every meal she prepared was made with love. She would wake at the break of dawn to tend to her vegetable and flower gardens, where her talent truly blossomed. A gifted gardener and master of floral arrangements, she was a devoted member of the Laurel Garden Club and eventually served as its President.
Some of our most cherished memories were made at the family lake house, gathered with friends and loved ones. Nearly every happy memory centered around the table – especially Sunday dinners.
Elaine loved her family deeply and was steadfast in her faith. Her devotion sustained her through life’s many challenges. She found inspiration in the rosary and held special devotion to St. Anne and St. Francis of Assisi. She set a beautiful example of grace and compassion for us all. Elaine had a tender heart for all of God’s creatures and passed on her love of nature, travel, music, and art to her family.
She was born in April 1938 to Angeline Levonus and Londi Baldini. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joseph; her daughter, Jolaine; and her brothers, Louis (Suny) and Robert. We take comfort in imagining them joyfully reunited in heaven.
Elaine is survived by her children: Karen (Keith Davenport), Joseph W. Straka III, and Alicia (Michael Kling). She was a proud and devoted Nana to her grandchildren: Brooke (David Michie), Ana Kelley (Ryan Kelley), Nicholas Davenport, Ryan Kling, and Jessica Kling; and her great-grandchildren: Sienna Michie, Devon Kelley, and Dylan Kelley.
A service will be held on Saturday, April 18th, 2026, at Our Lady of Snows in Clarks Summit, PA. In lieu of flowers, donations in Elaine’s memory may be made to a local animal shelter.
Elaine Baldini Straka
February 11, 2026