In Loving Memory of Elara Juniper Vance (1941–2026)
Elara Juniper Vance, 84, of Oakhaven, departed this life on January 14, 2026, peacefully in her sleep, reportedly dreaming of a world where socks never lose their partners in the dryer.
Born on a particularly rainy Tuesday in April 1941 to Silas and Martha Finch, Elara was destined for a life of curiosity. She spent 40 years as the town’s most formidable Librarian, where she was known for her uncanny ability to recommend the perfect book before you even knew you needed it, and for her strict "shushing" policy, which she applied equally to rowdy teenagers and the Mayor.
Elara was a woman of many distinct passions. She was an award-winning grower of heirloom tomatoes (though she detested the taste of them), a fierce competitor in the tri-state Scrabble circuit (where she was once disqualified for trying to play the word "quixotry" on a triple-word score), and a collector of porcelain frogs.
She believed that there were only three essential food groups: dark chocolate, sharp cheddar, and Earl Grey tea, served piping hot. She famously claimed that the secret to a long marriage was "separate bathrooms and a shared sense of the absurd."
Elara was preceded in death by:
Her beloved husband of 53 years, Arthur Vance, whom she loved dearly despite his inability to load a dishwasher correctly.
Her parents, Silas and Martha.
Her loyal Golden Retriever, Barnaby.
She is survived by:
Her son, Julian Vance, and his wife, Sarah, of Boston, MA.
Her daughter, Claire Vance-Miller, of Oakhaven.
Three grandchildren: Leo, Maya, and Sam, who will miss her terrible jokes and her legendary apple crumble.
Her very grumpy cat, Mr. Darcy, who is currently looking for new management.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Oakhaven Community Garden on Saturday, January 24, at 2:00 PM. Per Elara’s specific instructions, attendees are asked to wear bright colors—black is strictly forbidden, as she deemed it "far too boring for a party."
"Don't cry because it's over; smile because I finally found out how 'The Mystery of the Blue Train' ends." — Elara (probably)
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Oakhaven Public Library Fund or that you simply take the time to read a good book to a child.