Elsie Ruth Grzesikowski's Obituary
Elsie was born on November 13, 1948 in Ann Arbor, Michigan and passed away peacefully on December 5, 2025 with her loving family by her side. She was the oldest child of Margaret Novess. Being the oldest child, she was fiercely protective of her younger siblings and helped raise them while her mother worked 2 jobs to support her family as a single mother.
She met the love of her life, John, when she was only 19 years old and became a Navy bride. They spent their early years living in Florida and raised their 2 young children while her husband was serving our country.
After her husband’s military service, they returned to their hometown and she became a homemaker. She was a wonderful mother, often putting her children’s needs before her own. After her children were grown, she was employed and retired from CertainTeed as a Safety and Environmental Coordinator for 20 years.
Because of his time in the Navy, her husband loved the water and seeing the world, and they began their travel adventures. They cruised to many places and have wonderful memories of their time spent together with family and friends. They also enjoyed country couples dancing and made many wonderful friends while dancing with the Boot Scooters.
Elsie was also a very enthusiastic sports fan. She loved cheering for her Detroit Tigers and Lions, but also loved watching her children and grandchildren playing their sports. You could often find her at a sporting events or talking to her children about their sports.
She enjoyed entertaining for the holidays, especially for Christmas and her greatest and most anticipated dish was her famous Polish Golumpki. They made the home smell like Christmas and will be a memory her family will always fondly remember.
In her later years, she suffered from significant health problems and was taken care of by her loving husband. Even though she was no longer able to travel, she was involved in her family’s life through phone calls and Facebook. She spent these last few years enjoying a good Hallmark movie and a glass of red wine. These simple things made her the happiest.
She is preceded in death by her mother, Margaret Novess, sister Cathy Brooks, and granddaughter, Kelsey Grzesikowski.
She is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, John, her siblings, Fran (Steve), Ed, and Karyl (Mike), her children Johnny Jr and Lynn, her grandchildren and great -grandchildren, Valerie, Danielle, Ryan, Lauren, Skyleigh, Brynn, Paul Jr, Brennan and Brooklyn and many special nieces and nephews.
She will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by her family and friends.
We would like to thank Henry Ford Rehabilitation Facility. She enjoyed her time there and we know she appreciated all the help and kindness they showed her throughout the difficult years.
Cremation rites have taken place. There will be a graveside service and Celebration of Life at the end of April 2026, in honor of her love of spring flowers and her wedding anniversary.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Elsie’s name to Home of New Vision, c/o Jackson Harm Reduction, 407 West Michigan, Jackson, Michigan 49201 or through their website at https://Homeofnewvision.org.
Please leave a message of comfort for Elsie’s family or sign her guestbook at https://www.EinederFuneralHomes.com.
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