Cover photo for Elaine Dannefer's Obituary
Elaine Dannefer Profile Photo
1944 Elaine 2016

Elaine Dannefer

January 24, 1944 — May 26, 2016

Elaine Frances (nee Lemon) Dannefer completed her earthly life on Thursday, May 26, after a brief, valiant battle with pancreatic cancer. Elaine is survived by her husband of 49 years, Dale Dannefer of Cleveland Heights, her daughter, Rachel Frances Dannefer, son-in-law Daniel Werges, and two grandchildren, Fynn Michael Dannefer and Arlo Moses Dannefer, all of Dobbs Ferry, NY. She is also survived by two sisters (Shari Lynn Ramsey of Norton, KS and Ronda Hales of Larned, KS), one brother (Wayne Lemon of Emporia, KS), and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her son, Jonathan Michael Dannefer, a brother, Jon Robin Lemon and two infant brothers, Steven Lemon and Donald Cook.

Elaine grew up in Norton County, Kansas. She was valedictorian of her class at Lenora High School and graduated from Kansas State University. Elaine earned her M.S.W. degree from Indiana University and her Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Rochester. Formerly an Associate Dean at the University of Rochester Medical School, Elaine joined the faculty of the newly founded Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine in 2003 as Director of Medical Education Research and Assessment. She played an integral role in building and nurturing the Lerner College's innovative assessment system. She was "... truly the DNA of the Medical School", according to one Clinic educational leader.

In 2007-2008, Elaine served as President of the Society of Directors of Research in Medical Education. One of her SDRME colleagues commented, "She had a quiet presence that resounded loudly throughout the field of medical education."

Elaine was a person of lifelong faith and was an active member at Forest Hill Presbyterian Church, singing in the choir and serving on the Board of Trustees.

As many notes of condolences have expressed, the world is diminished by the loss of a radiant, loving, and wise spirit.

Memorial gifts may be sent to Amnesty International or to Partners in Health.

A Celebration of Elaine's life is planned for Saturday, July 30th , 2016 at 2 PM, at Forest Hill Presbyterian Church, 3031 Monticello Blvd., Cleveland Hts., OH 44118.

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