Swansboro- Elaine Kay Keating, 86, passed away at her home on Friday, May 1, 2026. She was born on December 16, 1939, a daughter of the late John Walter and Mary Folcik Festor.

A Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 11:00 AM at St Mildred Catholic Church, with Father Dave Miller officiating. Burial will follow at Seaside Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Tuesday, May 12, 2026, from 6-8 PM at Jones Funeral Home-Swansboro.

Elaine was a registered nurse, having graduated from Mercy College in Detroit MI.  After her 4 children were grown, she returned to the medical field she loved, working in both the hospital setting and associated agencies. After retiring, she continued to be active in the regional medical field as a volunteer. She loved being a nurse and considered helping others one of her greatest strengths.

Elaine was a member of St. Mildred Catholic Church and spent many years as the organist and pianist for weekend Masses, a ministry which she enjoyed and cherished.  She also was a member of the Women's Guild for many years.

She had a great zest for life.  She had the gift to make others feel immediately welcomed. She will always be remembered for her parties, where she would most likely end up playing the accordion or piano for guests, dance with her husband, and even provide fresh kielbasa and pierogis.

Although she was very accomplished, what she valued most was devotion to the Blessed Mother and trust in God. The impact of her daily example of prioritizing faith and family will be remembered.

She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Donald Paul Keating, Sr. of the home; daughter, Mary Katherine Keating of Newport, NH; sons, Donald Paul Keating, Jr. (Julie) of Charleston, SC, John Walter Keating of Swansboro, and Paul Joseph Keating of Morehead City; grandchildren, Elizabeth, Donald, III, Caroline, Katherine, and Henry; great-granddaughter, Camila; and her sister, Gloria Kalbfleisch of Abiquiu, NM.