Elaine Marea Salay Morgan, age 20, a resident of Wheaton, IL, entered into the presence of Jesus on December 22, 2022.  Her death was unexpected and indeterminate.  She was born April 23, 2002 in Seattle, Washington.

Elaine had a zest for life and a spirit of joy.  She loved camping.  She was a natural artist and musician playing piano, guitar and ukulele (self-taught).  Her artistic ability was prolific, easily picking up drawing, water color painting, and crochet & knitting.  (To the frustration of her mom!)  She took to water like a river otter and worked as a lifeguard, saving numerous erratic swimmers.

She was a dancer by heart and spent many years at The Dance Centre in Lombard, IL.  A cherished memory is her dancing with Amelia from toddler through high school years.

She also loved to perform with the competitive dance teams: Knightline , Irondale High School, and Viewettes , Moundsview High School, both in Minnesota.

At Wheaton North High School she joined their show choir, Flight. Performance was in her blood and she relished the stage. She talked her brother, Cole, into auditioning in 2018 and now he's hooked too.

Elaine gave generously of her time and talents to her churches and her community as a tutor and student leader.  She is deeply loved by Community Presbyterian Church, IL, and Roseville Covenant Church, MN (where she was baptized).

Elaine loved her large family and worked hard to keep the Morgans connected despite our geographic distances.

Special places for her were: Covenant Pines Campground in MacGregor, MN; Saugatuck, MI; downtown Chicago; Lake Michigan, and any beach anywhere.

Occasionally, she would briefly settle next to you to talk, and it was like a butterfly landing on your nose. You held still in wonder and joy.  And then she flew away again leaving you longing for more.

Her family remembers the struggles and difficulties she faced in recent years. But, we hold onto the brief moment of light that she brought into our lives.  We miss her desperately.  She loved life and we love her.

She is survived by her parents, Eric and Afarin Morgan of Wheaton, siblings Amelia, Cole and Hugh, and Grandparents Reza and Mehre Bavafa.

Aunts & Uncles: Cleo (Bing) Crosby, Mike and Leslie Morgan, Richard & Sara Short, Elizabeth & Perry Jones, Tim & Senja Morgan, Marianne & Chris Petersen, Dan & Evonne Morgan, Jon Morgan, and Jesse and Jamie Short.

Cousins: David Keck, David & Linda Crosby, Lisa & Sam St John, Josh Hanna, Jessica Bihm, Lauren Steele, Stephanie Morgan, Nathaniel Petersen, Fiona Morgan, Mathias Morgan, Jaffrey Morgan, Sam Morgan, Gabriel Morgan, Liam Hanna, Marcus Hanna, Melina Bihm, Caleb Bihm, Joey Bihm, Malcom Steele, and Malakai Steele.

And 2 cats, Noel & Georgia.

She was preceded in death by grandparents, Ed & Sally Morgan, Janet Short, and great-grandparents Esther & Rollen Short.

Private burial has been held.  A memorial service will be planned in the coming months.

Memorial gifts may be directed to Covenant Pines Ministries: https://covenantpines.org/donate/

Family and friends may sign a guest book at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.