Susan's Books and Gifts

Born in Texas, a young Elaine Cross lived in England for a time as a child. Her family then returned to the States, living in Missouri and Texas. While in high school, Elaine’s desire to serve in the Peace Corps took root, but it wasn’t until after completing college at Texas Tech that her dream became reality. Elaine trained for the Peace Corps in St. Croix and St. Kitts and served with Nigeria XXI in Nigeria, Senegal, and Tchad. It was in the Peace Corps that Elaine met her “perfect complement,” a Minnesotan named Dale Lamski. Marriage; children; and a career teaching Spanish, German, and, most importantly, French followed. Elaine, “Madame Lamski,” accompanied many student trips to France. She was extremely passionate about travel and encouraged hundreds of students to do so.Elaine was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2014. The last five years of her life were devoted to fighting what her sister aptly described as an “insidious” disease. Her strength and determination were admired and followed by family, friends, colleagues, and former students both locally and abroad. With amazing tenacity, Elaine co-authored her memoir over the course of two-and-a-half years.One of Elaine’s final wishes was to revitalize a Student Foreign Travel Fund for students attending Hastings High School. Proceeds from the sale of “The Book of Elaine” are so designated.