Elaine Starinchak

With profound sorrow and deep love, we announce the passing of a remarkable woman, a gifted writer, devoted wife and mother, passionate teacher, and tireless advocate, Elaine J. Starinchak, 89, of Columbus who died on Tuesday, December 16, surrounded by the legacy of a life lived with unwavering love and purpose.

An eloquent and thoughtful writer, she had a rare gift for language and connection. Words were not only her profession, but her way of loving the world. She believed deeply in people and cared sincerely to know them, whether a lifelong friend, her banker, or the chemo nurses who walked beside her during difficult days. Everyone mattered to her, and she made sure they knew it.

She was an accomplished high school English teacher for 30 years at Gahanna Lincoln High School in Gahanna, Ohio where she taught classes such as, AP Literature and Composition, College Composition, American and British Literature, Mystery and Suspense classes who inspired generations of students to think critically, write boldly, and read deeply. Many of her students rose to the ranks of top-tier universities and attribute that to her. Many of her students matriculated at prestigious institutions and credit her guidance for their success.

She was also the advisor for the school’s literary magazine, Inside Lincoln, which earned numerous awards under her guidance. Teaching was never just a job for her, it was calling, and her influence lives on in the many students whose lives she shaped.

The most devastating chapter of her life came with the tragic loss of her beloved son, Andrew, who was killed at the age of 31 while riding his bicycle by a drunk driver. Her grief was immeasurable, yet she transformed that pain into purpose. Determined to seek justice for Andrew, she fought tirelessly for truth and accountability. From that journey, she wrote and published No Reason to Hide, a powerful book examining the investigation into Andrew’s death, an act of courage, love, and unrelenting devotion to her son.

Her commitment to education extended beyond the classroom. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from Youngstown State University and later received her Master of Science degree in English from The Ohio State University, achievements she approached with the same curiosity, resilience, and excellence that defined her life.

Growing up as one of 10 children, she loved deeply and madly. She was a devoted wife, lovingly caring for her husband, Andrew, through the challenges of his stroke over the past four years. She was a proud and loving mother to her daughter, Betsey, and son-in-law, Scott. Most of all, she held an unbounded, joyful, and passionate love for her granddaughter, Adysan, and grandson, Tyler, who were the light of her life.

Her energy, compassion, intellect, and fierce love leave an irreplaceable void—but also an enduring legacy. She taught us how to care more deeply, fight for what is right, and use our voices with purpose.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Benjamin Harlow Jones and Nora Elizabeth Welsh. She is survived by her husband, Andrew Elmer; her beloved daughter, Elizabeth (Betsey) Susanne; her son-in-law, Christopher Scott; her cherished grandchildren, Adysan Reese and Tyler Andrew; her sisters, Maureen Faye and Deborah Sue Jones; and a wide circle of nieces, nephews, and dear friends who will miss her deeply.

A memorial ceremony service will take place on Monday, December 29 at 12:00 p.m. at Dublin Community Church, 81 W. Bridge Street, Dublin, Ohio with a reception to follow. Her ashes will be laid to rest with her son at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery.

She should have been the one to write these words—but her life, her courage, and her love had written a story far greater than any obituary could contain.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the Boys and Girls Club of Central Ohio. Elaine’s son’s annual memorial ultimate frisbee tournament, Andy 24, donated the event’s proceeds to this charity.