Elinor Burke Cofer, 87, of California, Maryland died on November 12, 2006 at St. Mary's Nursing Center, Leonardtown, Maryland. Born on June 26, 1919 in Louisville, Kentucky, she was the daughter of the late Daniel and Mary Lotz McCarthy.

Mrs. Cofer had worked as a registered nurse at St. Mary's College and the Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship. She was a founding member and President of the Friends of the Chesapeake from 1982 to 1992 where she received numerous Certificates of Appreciation. She was nominated for Living Treasures in the Bay Times in Annapolis, in 1988won the American Association of University Women "Woman of Achievement" award, received Honorable Mention in 1991 by the Office on Aging "You Are A Beautiful Senior Citizen" writing contest, member of the Audubon Society for 60 years, received the St. Mary's Commission on Women "Environmental Award" in 1992, the Chesapeake Bay Conservation Award for Public Service – Izaak Walton League of America on May 21, 1992, Certificate of Appreciation for Outstanding Community Service – St. Mary's Commission for Women in March 1984 and she won an award for "Best Whimsical Art" in the 8th Annual Art Exhibition of Southern Maryland Artists.

She is survived by her husband, whom she married in 1973, Billy M. Cofer of California, Maryland, two daughters, Shelia F. Burke of Santa Fe, New Mexico, E. Mavis Burke of Brandywine, Maryland, and one son, Dermot M. Burke of Davidsonville, Maryland.

A Memorial Service will be conducted on Sunday, November 26, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. in the Brinsfield Funeral Home Chapel in Leonardtown, MD. Interment will be private.