Elaine Marie Garcia

Elaine Marie Garcia 63, of Grand Haven, formerly of Rochester Hills passed away March 13 at home surrounded by family. She battled metastatic breast cancer valiantly for nearly 6 years while maintaining a demanding work schedule for the first two years followed by almost four years of equally ambitious volunteer work in retirement. Elaine was very proud of her 38 years spent in manufacturing engineering at General Motors after earning her engineering degree from her beloved University of Michigan. She returned to U of M on a GM Fellowship to earn her MBA. She is survived by her loving husband David, two stepsons Nathaniel (Emily) and Alexander (Rachel) and two precious granddaughters Lillian and Mia. Also her brother John Elliott (Kim) and nieces Kendall and Sydney as well as three cousins and their spouses. Additionally she leaves behind her adored feline, Norman.

Elaine was a Master Gardener and former treasurer of the Tri-city Garden Club, she volunteered for Habitat for Humanity and was a tutor for English as a Second Language supporting a Haitian student to achieve her driver’s license and her American citizenship.

She was a voracious reader and longtime member of a book club in Rochester Hills whose members were some of her favorite people. Hobbies included sewing, gardening, stained glass, sewing and traveling all over the world. See was an outstanding cook who loved food.

Elaine found warm loving support from Gilda’s Club and in lieu of flowers a donation in her name would be a beautiful tribute.