Elaine Ann Fries Fink

Elaine Fink, 65, of Sebastopol, California, passed away Jan. 22, 2016, after a courageous 23 year battle with cancer. Elaine was born Jan. 19, 1951, in Independence, Missouri, to Emil and Mary Fries. She met her husband of nearly 40 years, Mark Fink, while living in Arizona. The two married Oct. 16, 1976. Elaine was instrumental in setting up a State Farm Insurance Agency with Mark, which she helped him run for 20 years before launching her own career as a real estate agent in Northern California. Elaine was an active member of Saint Teresa of Avila Church in Bodega, California. She was on the Parish Council and served as past president of the Ladies Guild. Elaine was a devoted preservationist who wanted to see this historic landmark saved for future generations. She was a founding member of the Sebastopol Sunrise Rotary Club. Elaine loved spending time at their Dillon Beach home where she enjoyed the beauty and solitude of the ocean. Elaine was preceded in death by her parents Emil and Mary Fries, as well as her loving cousin, Louie Fries. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Mark Fink; sisters Marilyn Holliman (Albuquerque, New Mexico), Karen Ulrich (Manchester, Missouri) and Marion Baker (Lee's Summit, Missouri); nieces and nephews Christopher Statzer, James Ulrich, Alisa Seidelman, Gabriel Hollimon, Tasha Ulrich, Robert Ulrich and several great nieces and nephews. Elaine also leaves behind a large community of supportive friends and a legacy of generosity. The family suggests memorial donations be made to the Golden Gate Labrador Retriever Rescue, 268 Bush Street #4322, San Francisco, CA 94104. Per Elaine's request, there will be no services.