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Elaine Margaret DeCou
Born: 4/26/1934
Died: 3/10/2021
Age: 86
Community: Grand Blanc, MI
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Elaine Margaret DeCou, 86, of Grand Blanc, Michigan, our beloved matriarch, passed away at home on March 10, 2021.
She was born to John and Vlasta Nozicka on April 26, 1934, in Detroit, Michigan, the fourth of five children. Elaine grew up immersed in her family’s Czech heritage, spending time at the Czech Hall, going to Sokol Camp, and performing traditional dances in traditional costumes. She was an accomplished gymnast, dancer, and swimmer. The family moved to Dearborn when she was five. When she was 11, Elaine and her younger brother were out walking when a limousine approached and a man got out and shook their hands. It was Henry Ford. Even at her young age, Elaine knew she was meeting a very important person.
Elaine graduated from Dearborn’s Fordson High School where she was on the Student Council, in National Honor Society, a cheerleader, director of the annual play her senior year, and Homecoming Queen. She was the first person in her family to attend college, graduating from Central Michigan University with a bachelor’s degree in education. Elaine loved teaching and taught for several years after graduating. While at Central Michigan, she went on a blind date and met the love of her life.
Elaine and John Eber “Jack” DeCou, Jr., were married on June 29, 1957. They enjoyed 49 years of marriage and other adventures together until Jack passed away in 2006 at the age of 72. Elaine is survived by a host of adoring family members including her children Stephen (Kim) DeCou of Colorado Springs, CO; James (Dana) DeCou of Ada, MI; Janet DeCou Usellis of Bainbridge Island, WA; and John E. (Kathryn) DeCou III of Lapeer, MI. She also is survived by 12 grandchildren (Chris, Justin, Mike, David, Kristin, Sarah, Katie, Jack, Hannah, Jack, Max, and Blake), 1 great-grandchild (Harper), a large and loving extended family including nieces who were like daughters, and an extensive circle of wonderful friends. In addition to her parents and husband Jack, she was preceded in death by her four siblings, brothers Jerry, Bob and John Nozicka, and her sister Mary Ann Dvorak.
Elaine had always been an active volunteer as her children were growing up and she helped out with Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, sports teams, church and other pursuits. She also found time in later years to volunteer at the Genesys Hospital gift shop and to serve on the Board of Directors of the Whaley Children’s Home, the Easter Seal Society, and the Alzheimer’s Association – among others.
Elaine was an active and dedicated member of Kirkridge Presbyterian Church in Grand Blanc from the time of its inception 57 years ago right up until her death. There, she taught Sunday school, sang in the choir, and served as a church Elder for many years. She also walked with the Kirkridge Church team at the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, one year logging 11 miles after getting double knee replacements.
One of Elaine’s favorite gigs was when she worked as secretary of the PGA’s annual Buick Open golf tournament at Warwick Hills, Michigan. She was well-regarded by the pro golfers and their families, the staff, and the public as she helped ensure every last detail was ready for the big event. Elaine’s love of sports was evident in her passion for the Open. “Go Phil!” she would cheer in later years to the TV for Phil Mickelson, her favorite golfer and fellow leftie. This commitment extended to closely following all her University of Michigan and Detroit teams and faithfully cheering them on – “Go Blue!”
Elaine loved new places and experiences. She had many opportunities to travel with her husband Jack, and later with other family, throughout Europe and all across the U.S., from Florida to Alaska to Hawaii and a lot of states in between.
Elaine loved to laugh and, even with the sadness of her death, we can’t help but reminisce and laugh over wonderful times and favorite “Mom-isms.” She didn’t always tell a joke correctly and it was always funnier that way.
Elaine impressed her grandchildren with her embrace of technology – texting, commenting on their social media posts, zoom calls, and attending church via computer. It reflected her lifelong passion to try new things, learn, stay current, and stay in touch with those she loved.
Family and friends will miss, among other things, Elaine’s dedication and thoughtfulness. Her calendar was filled with birthdays and anniversaries and she never failed to acknowledge each one. No holiday was too obscure to escape Elaine’s notice as she sent cards, with a little gift inside, to all her kids, grandkids, and extended family – and we all loved it.
Elaine touched the lives of so many people. She will be remembered for her great capacity for love, her generosity, kindness, thoughtfulness, friendship, loyalty, sense of humor, adventure and fun. It almost didn’t surprise us when a customer service rep we called to cancel her prescription service had to take a moment to compose himself and to tell his colleagues that Mrs. DeCou had passed.
The family would like to express a special thanks to her cardiologist, Dr. Peter Farrehi and cardiac surgeon, Dr. Francis Pagani, at U-M, for keeping her loving heart going strong for all these years.
A memorial service and reception will be held in Grand Blanc later this year once it is again safe to gather – so please get vaccinated like Elaine did. We want to celebrate Elaine’s incredible life and all she meant to us in a bigger way than is currently possible. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Elaine to the Grand Blanc Senior Center (gbseniorcenter.org) or the American Heart Association (Heart.org).
Your condolences may be shared with the family at swartzfuneralhomeinc.com |
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| Visitation |
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3/20/2021 |
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| Funeral Service |
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