I have very fond memories of Elaine and am sorry to learn of her passing. She was my first employer when I was a young teenager and lived across the street on Pine Street and watched Teri for her.
Kathy Tuttle DeBlonk
Elaine was the best big sister I could have hoped to have. In recent years her dementia prevented her from expressing herself in her usual eloquent way, but I’m certain that this Winnie the Pooh quote is one of the things she would have liked to say to all of us she loved: "If there ever comes a day when we cannot be together, keep me in your heart, and I'll stay there forever."
On Monday, our dear mom (grandma, great-gram, sister, wife, friend, and so much more) passed on to a better place where she can once again rock it at third base on the softball field, be an amazing Bridge partner, and communicate easily with her much loved family members and friends. The courage with which she faced her dementia is an inspiration to all of us who knew and loved her.
I experienced many “firsts” with Elaine-she made me my first gin & tonic, my first vodka gimlet-ok,now for a change in direction...Elaine was the first “feminist” I knew, quite significant for me as a young woman coming of age in the 70’s. DisneyWorld was first experienced with Elaine including a first (and last!) ride on Space Mountain.I also learned that a salad could be an entire meal.
Elaine was one of a kind. She taught me how to make her world-famous freshly-baked bread. She was such a good teacher that mine was nearly as tasty as hers. Whenever we left her house to return home, she would hand us a care package full of veggie sandwiches made with her homemade bread--delicious. Ate them before reaching Rochester :)
So sorry, Lori, about the loss of your mom. She was such a delight and so good to all of us kids in the neighborhood. Always with a beautiful smile. This is from Andra Fjone
In loving memory of my Aunt Elaine, I extend my deepest sympathies to my Uncle Earl, and cousins Tari, Lori, Joni, and Tom. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
It's a lovely, sunny day in March. Mom's birthday.... At this time of year, which often lined up with spring break for school, the guys and I were often with her and Dad in Gulf Springs. Those memories are some of the very best ones. LOVE
Today would have been Elaine's 91st birthday. On her 85th birthday I sent her a "memory book" filled with pictures and descriptions of family memories. She called to thank me and pondered who she should leave it to~~ or if she should take it with her :) That might have been the last of many wonderful phone conversations we had.
Missed you everyday for 6 years mom. RIP.
T
Michaelson Funeral Home
1930 Austin Rd
Owatonna, MN 55060-4404
