Elaine Justine Mickelson

Born on May 21, 1938, in Lansing, Elaine was a proud lifelong Michigander with a deep appreciation for friends and family. Survived by her daughter, Susie (Annu) and her four grandchildren, Melaina, Simara, Ravi and Jai. She was preceded in death by her father and mother, Walter and Lucille Toebe (Fisher), her brother Carl Toebe and her former husband, Richard.

She was a proud Quaker graduate from Lansing Eastern High School, class of 1956. She went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in History and English from Michigan State University in 1960. While there she held the positions of Rush Chairwoman and Marshal at the Tri Delta Sorority. Her interest in teaching led her to further her studies, obtaining a Master’s degree in Elementary Education from Eastern Michigan University in 1966. Elaine strived to shape young minds as an elementary school teacher, working in both Garden City and Ithaca Schools. While only teaching for seven years, one would recognize that she was a forever teacher at heart as she often gently corrected family when grammatically incorrect.

Beyond the classroom, Elaine had a variety of interests that brought her happiness. She was an avid bridge player and achieved the prestigious status of Life Master, a testament to her skill and dedication to the game. She religiously checked the daily game standings and was eager to report her game rank for the day. She also had a well-known love for catalog shopping, particularly when it came to finding the perfect pajama pants for "the boys" and dressing Annu.

Color and light always caught her eye as she enjoyed the Michigan fall color tours and viewing holiday lights. Her enthusiasm for fireworks was evident every year as she eagerly anticipated Annu’s annual display. Elaine cherished time on Susan and Annu’s deck where she could often be found sitting enjoying the view while visiting with family. She had an uncanny ability to recall historical events and loved sharing stories from the past. A self-proclaimed amateur meteorologist, she never hesitated to call with a weather advisory warning whenever storms were on the horizon. She also relished playing multiple rounds of Rummikub with friends or family at any time.

Known for her kindness and generous nature, she was dedicated to contributing to numerous charities. Elaine was always ready to lend an ear and offer thoughtful advice. Considered a true social butterfly, she would frequently have friend connections and often would be found at Coral Gables enjoying a meal. One of her favorite personal anecdotes was how she pierced her ears later in life and subsequently built an entirely new earring collection to celebrate the occasion.

She was a beloved, mother, grandmother and friend. Elaine’s memory will live on through those who knew and loved her. May her stories continue to be shared, bringing comfort to all who remember her.