Winifred D. Elam

Winifred Dean Elam, of Forest Hill, MD passed away on February 28, 2016 at Forest Hill Heights Assisted Living. Born in Delaware, Ohio, she was the oldest of six children of Helen and Lester Dean. Wini graduated from Ohio University and prior to her marriage taught school in Ohio and worked as a dietician in New York City.

She was the wife of the late William Elam. William was a Meteorologist in the U.S. Navy and the couple spent the first twenty years of their marriage at Navy postings, moving more than 15 times as they raised their young family. Each move was an adventure to be explored and enjoyed. They finally settled in Silver Spring and then upon Bill's retirement, in Damascus, MD. Wini added to her circle of friends at every new address, developing enduring friendships wherever she lived. She was a life-long Methodist and was an active church member throughout her life.

Winifred is survived by her five children; Carol Ditto and her husband Jim of Forest Hill, MD, David Elam and his wife JoAnn of Herndon, VA, Barbara Ranta and her husband Rick of Ashtabula, OH, Laura Webb and her husband Ken of Westminster, MD, and John Elam of Annandale, VA. She is also survived by 15 grandchildren; Lisa Ditto Reiner, Jason Ditto, Cara Ditto, Justin Elam, Jennifer Elam Collins, Meredith Elam Curs, Peter Elam, Bethany Elam Bletscher, Jacob Ranta, Allison Ranta Kiari, William Ranta, Laura Ranta Toth, Leah Webb Schryer, Kathryn Webb Gruver and Andrew Webb. She has 27 great-grandchildren.

Wini was a caring hands-on mother and a strong example for her children and grandchildren. She was an advocate particularly for John, who has faced special challenges throughout his life. She resolutely searched out and found the appropriate services at a time when these services were limited.

Any donations can be made to Langley Residential Support Services at 2070 Chain Bridge Rd, Ste G55, Vienna, VA 22182. Langley is an organization that provides services for intellectually challenged adults, and is the provider of the group home in which John is living. If you choose to contribute, indicate in the memo section of the check "Memorial to Winifred Elam."