Elaine Bridinger Neeves, 78, went home to be with Jesus on August 16, 2023. Elaine valiantly fought brain cancer (GBM) for the last three years. Her strong will, feistiness and faith allowed her to overcome many challenges and obstacles. Elaine was born Frances Elaine Bridinger in Harney, MD to the late Charles and Ethel Bridinger (Bowers) of Littlestown, PA. Elaine graduated from Littlestown High School in 1963 and went on to secretarial school in Philadelphia. Elaine married John W. Neeves in 1969 in the Chapel at Valley Forge. Theirs is a love story for the ages, as they celebrated their 54th Anniversary on August 2nd. John was in the United States Air Force, and they served in Las Vegas, NV, West Chester, PA and Abilene, TX. After John’s retirement from the military they settled in Chambersburg, PA for the next 16 years. Elaine was employed by the Federal Government for 23 years, between Letterkenny Army Depot and the Social Security, Office of Hearings and Appeals. The couple moved to the Harrisburg, PA area in 1995. Elaine loved to travel, and she and John shared many adventures throughout the 50 US states and several European countries. In retirement, they spent time with both of their daughters’ families and wintered in Arizona. Thanks to the years in the Air Force and Elaine’s gregarious personality, they have dear friends across the country, many friendships spanning over 50 years. Elaine had the gift of hospitality and everyone in her presence knew they were special and loved by her. Her favorite people to spoil were her three granddaughters, Grace Elaine Handke (18), Ella Lehrian Handke (17), and Audra Mae Handke (14).
She is survived by the love of her life, John Neeves, her daughter, Andrea Meintel and husband James and grandson Joseph, her daughter, Jennifer Handke and husband Paul and their three daughters. Even though she was an only child she grew up with her best friend and “sister” of 70 years, Carol Wisotzkey Russo (husband Frank and daughter Nicolle) of Littlestown. Elaine was a lifetime member of the VFW and American Legion Auxiliaries, honored to be the wife of a veteran, and served veterans proudly for decades.
Visitation will be held at Sullivan Funeral Home, 51 N Enola Dr, Enola, PA 17025 from 10AM-11AM on Tuesday, August 29, 2023. Services will begin at 11AM on Tuesday at the funeral home. Interment will be at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, PA.
The Sullivan Funeral Home is honored to serve the Neeves family.
2 comments on “Elaine Bridinger Neeves”
This world is selfish. Rest in peace and may you be accompanied by grace and mercy for this world deserves not. May your existence be peaceful and embraced by love. You passed away prematurely. <3 love Arizona; President Pierce relative and Queen Elizabeth II cousin.
I came to know Elaine and John while stationed at Dyess AFB, Abilene TX. She was a sweetheart of a lady and truly John’s “saving grace”. After leaving Dyess, our connection lived on, I always thrilled to spend time with them…Always thought of them as family (that’s just the way they made me feel). The world has lost a kind, thoughtful soul and heaven has gained one…