Elaine Walsh

Elaine Frances Walsh, 75 of Bellaire, died peacefully Dec. 25, 2017 at Meadow Brook Medical Care Facility.

She was born Nov. 15, 1942 in Owosso, the daughter of John and Annastacia (Sovis) Kuchar.  She was raised on a farm in New Lothrop, and was the third child of six girls.  She worked on the farm with her sisters milking cows, feeding chickens and planted crops on 80 acres.  Elaine was no stranger to hard work and it continued throughout her life.  During high school she was involved in basketball and cheerleading, graduating in 1961.

Meeting the love of her life, Donald Walsh, they married in April 1963 and started a family of four sons, Steve, Jim, Mike, and Bob.  While settling in the small community of New Lothrop, Elaine worked at a record factory in the mid-1960’s and going on to become a school bus driver for over 15 years.  Besides working part time for years, she was quite involved in the community and was one of the pioneers of beginning a volunteer ambulance service in town.  Don and Elaine went on to become EMT Certified providing service for many years.

In the mid-1980’s Elaine pursued a career in Real Estate.  After her husband retired from General Motors their sights were set on moving to Northern Michigan.  Taking a chance they bought property on Thayer Lake in Bellaire.  Settling in nicely, Elaine continued her real estate adventure.  She was very successful and “To a T" professional.

Elaine loved to hunt, fish, play cards, garden, and bake.  She loved dogs and had many throughout the years.  Elaine was very involved at St. Luke Catholic Church and served on the financial council and was a Eucharistic Minister.

Surviving Elaine are her children Steve, James (Anne), Michael, Robert, sisters Stacy (Richard) Klatt, JoAnne (Thomas) Scheid, Victoria Kuchar, Jonilyn (Michael) Bruff, grandchildren Mary, Hunter, Jacob, Aubrey, and Peyton, sister in law Shirley (Fred) Vasicek, and many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her husband in 2005, her sister Mildred Kalisek, and her parents.

A funeral mass will be held Friday, Dec. 29, at 1 p.m. at St. Luke Catholic Church with Fr. Chet Collins officiating.  The family will receive friends Thurs. Dec. 28, from 4 to 8 pm with a prayer service starting at 7:30 at the Bellaire Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.  Interment will be in the spring of 2018.  Memorial contributions can be made to St. Luke Catholic Church, PO BOX 799, Bellaire, MI 49615.

Arrangements have been handled by the Bellaire Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.  Please sign her online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.