09/29/2026
Elaine and Ron are recent members of Classy Chassis. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ron in this difficult time.
Cumberland, MD-
Elaine Kelley Solomon, of Cumberland, passed away peacefully on September 26, 2026, at home, with her beloved partner, Ron, by her side.
Born April 9, 1944, in Cumberland, she was the daughter of the late William Edward “Ed” Solomon and Eleanor Virginia (Kelley) Solomon.
Elaine was a 1962 graduate of Allegany High School. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Home Economics from James Madison University.
Elaine’s first job out of college was with Virginia Power, where she was involved in kitchen design 1966-1968. Elaine decided in 1968 to take her skills and enter the world of Mechanical Contracting construction in the Washington, D.C. area where she continued until 1989. In 1989, she moved back to her home in LaVale, MD, at which time she began a wonderful career with the Belt Group. She remained until her retirement in 2005. Elaine continued to work part-time at Belt until 2009. She then moved to the Eastern Shore to make a life with Ron. In 2020, Elaine and Ron moved back to Cumberland.
Elaine was Past President of the Washington, D.C. chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction.
She, along with her parents, were members of First Presbyterian Church. Like her mother, Elaine belonged to the Cresap Chapter National Society, Daughters of the American Revolution. Elaine was past president of the Cumberland Business & Professional Women’s Club. She was also involved in the formation of the Allegany Chapter of the Maryland Commission for Women. Gov. Glendenning appointed Elaine to a six year term on the Maryland Commission. Since 2016, she served on the Board of Directors for the Allegany College of Maryland Foundation. Previously, Elaine had served on the boards of the Y.M.C.A., Memorial Hospital of Cumberland, and the Western Maryland Health System.
Elaine and Ron enjoyed spending time boating on the Chesapeake Bay, at their cabin at Deep Creek Lake, and their collection of antique cars -- making many trips to other states with various car clubs. When they moved back to Cumberland, they re-joined the Queen City Chapter AACA, where her father was a founding member and her mother served as secretary for many years.
Elaine always looked sharp and stylish. She loved to “shop local.” The Mary Carol Shop was a favorite of her’s. When the store closed, she moved on to “investing” in Talbot’s inventory. Elaine enjoyed sending notes of encouragement and gratitude to her family and friends. Her kindness and generosity were felt by many. There are two things that anyone who knew Elaine would have experienced at least once: one was her incredible strong handshake which would rival that of any man, and then the dreaded eyebrow. If you saw her raise her left eyebrow, you knew she was unhappy and something exciting was about to happen.
Left to cherish her memory is her beloved partner, Ron; his family with whom she enjoyed spending time: Ronald Bryant, Jr. and daughter Skyla; John Bryant, wife Lis, and children Brad, Megan, and Anna; and great grandchildren, Emmett and Emma; and Ron’s stepson Eric Rei. Over the years, Elaine was blessed with many friends – she treasured them dearly.
Friends will be received at the Upchurch Funeral Home, P.A., Cumberland, MD, on Thursday from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
The funeral service will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 11 Washington Street, Cumberland, on Friday at 10:00 AM, with Rev. Alison Peters, officiating.
Interment will be in Hillcrest Memorial Park.
To honor Elaine, donations may be made to either the Bryant-Solomon Scholarship Fund -or- the Solomon Family Scholarship Fund (Forestry Program), Allegany College of Maryland Foundation, 12401 Willowbrook Road, Cumberland, MD 21502.
