Elsie Helene Fischer

Cookie earned her Angel wings on Thursday, October 16, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Elsie Fischer was born on April 22, 1939, in Walhalla, North Dakota, to Laurence and Doris DeLisle. She graduated from Fargo Central High School in 1957 and, the following year, married the boy next door, August “Sonny” Fischer, beginning a love story that spanned nearly five decades.

As a devoted United States Air Force wife for 27 years, Elsie embraced the unique challenges of military life with grace and strength, raising their seven children with love, faith, and resilience.

After Sonny’s passing in August 2006, Elsie entered a new chapter of life filled with adventure, friendship, and faith. She traveled to Portugal, Israel, Minnesota, and even walked part of the Camino in Spain—a testament to her courage and spirit of exploration.

A woman deeply rooted in her Catholic faith, Elsie was an active member of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, where she served as a Eucharistic Minister and Lector. She was also a longtime volunteer Board Member with Catholic Community Services, and a proud member of the Newman Sustaining Board, Marian Club, and Skyline Women’s Club.

Affectionately known as “Cookie,” Elsie was the self-appointed CEO of Shenanigans. She started a beloved “Girls’ Night Out” tradition that grew from a few friends to a joyful circle of widowed and single ladies gathering each Friday for happy hour adventures. She also created a “Coffee and Chat” group after Monday morning Mass—meeting at Bruegger’s Bagels for fellowship, laughter, and community.

Elsie will be remembered for her faith, humor, strength, and the sparkle she brought to every gathering. To her grandchildren—who lovingly called her Grandma Gus, Cookie, or G-Cooks—she was a source of endless love, wisdom, and warmth.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Laurence DeLisle and Doris Daniels; her beloved husband of 48 years, August “Gus” Fischer (2006); her oldest son, Jeffrey Fischer (2019); and her daughter, Julia Fischer Reichardt (2021).

She is survived by her children, Kelly O’Leary of Stevensville, MT; Melissa Fischer of Tucson, AZ; Tom (Connie) Fischer of Linn, MO; and Kerry (Brad) Chilcote and Megan (David) Hermann, both of Tucson, AZ.

She is also survived by eleven grandchildren: Brett O’Leary, Kirsten O’Leary, Alex (Nicole Hall) Reichardt, Katie (Kyle) Odom, Kevin (Josie) Reichardt, Scottie Reichardt, Christina (Matt) O’Connor, Scott Fischer, Dani Chilcote, Trey Chilcote, and Jack Hermann; eight great-grandchildren; her favorite little sister, Joey Knutson; many nieces and nephews; and many dear friends.

Lastly, she is survived by her beloved and faithful furry companion, Molly McGee.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Agape Hospice & Palliative Care for their unwavering love, care, and support of Cookie—especially her wonderful nurses TC, Prissilla, Anna, Nurse Practitioner Laura, Social Worker Andrea, and CNA Karlee, who went above and beyond the call of duty, especially during Mom’s final weeks.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 1800 N Camino Pio Decimo, Tucson, AZ 85715.