Elaine Haggerty

Elaine Haggerty, age 77, of Britton, SD, formerly of Big Stone City, SD, passed away on Sunday, October 27, 2024, at Wheat Crest Hills Healthcare Center in Britton.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, October 31, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Charles Catholic Church in Big Stone City, SD. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at St. Charles Catholic Church with a prayer service and rosary beginning at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the Mass at the church on Thursday. Interment will be at the Graham Family Cemetery in Lac qui Parle County, MN.

Elaine Louise (Graham) Haggerty was born on June 4, 1947, in Wheaton, MN. She was the daughter of John and Genevieve (Smithwick) Graham, part of a loving family of twelve children. After graduating from Milbank High School and briefly attending South Dakota State University, Elaine began her life’s journey that would touch countless lives with her boundless love and creativity.

She was united in marriage with John J. Haggerty on July 8, 1967, at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Browns Valley, MN. Their blessed union gave birth to eight children, and together, they built a life centered on family, faith, and community service. They made their home in various South Dakota and Minnesota communities throughout their years together, including Browns Valley, Garretson, Big Stone City, and Britton.

Elaine was a devoted mother who later became the owner of The Clay House in Big Stone City, SD, where she shared her artistic talents with the community. Her creative spirit found expression through sewing, painting, and ceramics, but her greatest joy came from spending time with her family, especially her beloved grandchildren. She was known for her extraordinarily loving and caring nature, always ready to drop everything to help friends and family in need.

As an active member of her local Catholic churches and American Legion Auxiliary, Elaine dedicated herself to serving others and supporting her community. She was a constant presence at school sporting events, supporting not only her children and grandchildren but all young athletes.

After a long illness, Elaine went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, October 27, 2024. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family.

Elaine was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John; her parents, John and Genevieve Graham; brothers: Bill, Dick, Jim, Johnny, and Mikey Graham; and sister, Ruth Miller. She leaves behind a beautiful legacy through her surviving family: daughters: Jackie (Derek) Cassoutt, Gennie (Kevin) Carruthers, Julie (Gabriel) Noyola, Shelley Haggerty, and Emily (Kevin) Schamber; sons: John (Jessie) Haggerty, DJ (Kristin) Haggerty, and Keith (Jenna) Haggerty; grandchildren: Valdon, Jared (Olivia), Graham, Lizzy, Erin, Grace, Gabby, Oscar, Kelly, Daphney, Paige, Nova, Maeve, Morgan, Brooke, Will, Amelia, Benson, Holland, Elaina, and Kynlee; four sisters; one brother; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who will cherish her memory.