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Eleanor M. McElhose
Born: 10/1/1929
Died: 1/12/2025
Age: 95
Community: Funeral Mass at Holy Family Catholic Church, Brand Blanc, MI
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Eleanor M. McElhose (October 1, 1929 - January 12, 2025)
Eleanor Marguerite (Egerer) McElhose, beloved mother of six children and many wonderful grandchildren, age 95, passed away at home on January 12, 2025, leaving behind her a legacy of love, faith and the radiance of her quiet strength. The beauty of her countenance imaged an even deeper beauty of a life filled with quiet faith, loving acts of kindness, dedication to her family and service to others.
Eleanor was the seventh child of Anna (Martin) Egerer and Samuel Egerer, born on October 1, 1929, in the city of Flint, Michigan. She lost her father at the age of twelve. Eleanor's entire life of 95 years was lived within the half hour radius between Flint and Grand Blanc. She never had to look far for the things that truly mattered to her, and found joy in the many ways she gave of herself to others. She graduated from St. Michael's High School in 1947, and attended Mott Community College, where she would eventually use her culinary talents to teach candy making classes. In the spring of 1953, Eleanor met her husband-to-be, Victor Roland McElhose, at a parish CYO St. Valentine's Day dance. Dad loved to recall that moment when he first saw Eleanor across the room, and leaned over to his friend to declare he would marry that girl one day. Three weeks later he proposed by offering Eleanor a second hand ring he got from a dejected friend whose own marriage proposal was rejected. But Mom, being graced with sensibilities and wisdom, of course refused this young buck's ambitious proposition. It would not take much longer, however, for Mom to be convinced that Dad was truly a "diamond in the rough", and they were married on October 3rd seven months later. Last October, they celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary, a beautiful legacy of faithfulness, dedication, and love that they leave to their children, grandchildren, and to everyone who knew them.
Eleanor was a wonderful wife, mother and homemaker, and arguably the best cook in the family! Cooking was the means of bringing people together, and she did so with joy, grace, generosity and culinary artistry. Her creations, from guitar-sized birthday cakes, and intricately decorated chocolate Easter Eggs to rosemary-essenced spaghetti sauces and everything in between were always seasoned with her own special flavor of love of family and generosity of spirit, making her cooking uncommonly delectable. Neighbors were even known to barter their skills in trade for a slice of mom's strawberry rhubarb pie! In addition to raising her six children, caring for the home, gardening, and being active in her parish community, Eleanor worked as a bookkeeper for Ethan Allen and later Buick for many years to help support her family. She was a skilled organizer and a hard worker who gave her all in everything she did. One of her mottos was "Can't never did nothin'!", which exemplified her positive outlook on life, and spirit of faith in possibilities! Her fun loving nature would be expressed in so many various and spontaneous ways like hopping into the car to chase a passing hot air balloon just to see where it might land, going on "mystery trips" to bring excitement to an ordinary day, taking fall drives to the apple orchard to collect colorful leaves, and writing clever rhymes leading to a hidden treasure. Mom's creativity was always finding new and varied ways to express itself in order to reach out in love to those around her.
Eleanor was a member of Holy Family parish for 58 years, and a member of their choir for nearly 45 of those. She was an active member of St. Rita's guild as a way to reach out in charity to others in need. Eleanor was not only generous with her time to her family, parish and friends, she was also uncommonly thoughtful, always finding ways to make someone feel special. She never wanted to draw attention to herself, and tended toward charitable service in the background. She had the ability to anticipate another's need, and the selflessness to go the extra mile to bring about some good. Eleanor was a model of faithfulness, generosity, thoughtfulness and forgiveness. Her faith in the Lord was so deeply present in the way she lived her life that words were seldom necessary. Even in her times of suffering, especially toward the end of her life, Eleanor would turn those moments into spontaneous songs of love and praise to the One Who would one day call her home.
Our beautiful mother was preceded in death seven months earlier by her husband of 70 years, Victor. Just like when they first met, Dad was in a place in his heart that took mom another seven months to catch up to. May they be united together forever at the eternal Wedding Feast. of the Lamb. She is survived by her six children Christine (Bill) Blue, Cynthia Calkins, Celeste (Robert) Farver, Mark McElhose, Patricia (Lorenz) Sollmann, and Michelle Welton, as well as her many grandchildren, all of whom have been blessed by the legacy of her life, and who will miss her very much. |
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| Visitation |
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1/14/2025 |
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6:00 PM |
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| Funeral Service |
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1/17/2025 |
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10:00 AM |
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| Location: |
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Holy Family Catholic Church
11804 S. Saginaw Street
Grand Blanc, MI 48439Get a Map to this location...
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