Elaine Zawacki Dempsey, 69, of Waynesville, passed away peacefully at her home on June 13, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on September 16, 1956, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Elaine was the daughter of the late Anthony Zawacki and Mildred Linnetty Zawacki. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Lorraine Offenback.

Elaine earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from North Carolina Central University and enjoyed a distinguished career as a biostatistician. Learning the SAS language while working for that company, she then dedicated more than 30 years toward that profession and was highly respected. Elaine also served as a past chairperson of the Pharmacology SAS Users Group (PharmaSUG), where she contributed her expertise and leadership to the field.

A woman of many interests, Elaine had a passion for traveling and was fortunate to explore destinations throughout the world with her husband Chuck and one or both children. She also had a special love for animals of all kinds and treasured the time she spent with her family and friends.

Elaine is survived by her beloved husband of 42 years, Charles "Chuck" Dempsey of Waynesville; her daughter, Caitlin Dempsey of Inman, South Carolina; and her son, Neal Dempsey of Atlanta, Georgia.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Haywood Hospice and Palliative Care in honor of Elaine's memory.

No services are scheduled at this time.

Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville has been entrusted with Elaine Dempsey’s care.