Elaine Helen Albrecht

Elaine Helen Albrecht, age 79, of Valley City, passed away peacefully on June 24, 2026. Born on June 8, 1947, in Cleveland, Ohio, Elaine was the beloved daughter of the late Oscar and Florence (Brishka) Reinking.

A nurse by trade, Elaine cared for patients from their first moments in the newborn nursery through end-of-life care, from the beginning of her career at Parma Hospital through her time at MetroHealth Medical Center. Her generous and loving nature and her spirit of service were never more evident than in the care she showed to those most important to her. She truly lived for everyone else, especially her beloved husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family, always putting the needs of others before her own. Known for her kindness and thoughtful gestures, she never missed a birthday and delighted family and friends by giving each person a bag of M&M's to celebrate their special day.

Elaine was a passionate Cleveland sports fan, enjoyed coaching her kids in Little League, loved watching game shows, and was an avid baker and jelly maker. She loved spending time outdoors, caring for her yard, and thoroughly enjoyed mowing the lawn on her riding mower. She had a special affection for dogs, especially her beloved grand-dog, Freddie. She was also a huge fan of Elvis Presley and Paul Anka.

Elaine’s memory will be cherished by her children, Christine (Scott) Brinks, Matt (Renee) Albrecht, and Jim (Milena) Albrecht; her grandchildren, Valerie, Vanessa, Hunter, Victoria, Vince, Kathryn, and Anton; and her great-grandchildren, Milo and Raiden. She is also survived by her brother, Ronald (Judy) Reinking; her sister, Susan (Ron) Broadsword; and many treasured nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends and classmates from Buckeye High School Class of 1965.

She shared 55 years of marriage with her devoted husband, Thomas Alan Albrecht, before his passing in November 2025. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Oscar and Florence Reinking; her brother, Jim Reinking; her sister, Marilynn Rauhaus; and her twin sister, Linda Petchler.

Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation on Monday, June 29, 2026, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Waite Funeral Home, 3300 Center Road, Brunswick. A funeral service will be held at 4:00 pm on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1377 Lester Road, Valley City, with visitation immediately preceding from 3:00 to 4:00 pm. Interment will follow at St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery with a meal and time of sharing following services.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to The Thomas P. Perciak Family Residential Hospice in Strongsville, Buckeye High School Band Boosters, or Brunswick High School Band Boosters.

Please share condolences on Elaines’s tribute page at www.waitefuneralhome.com.