Elaine Grasinski, age 87, of Chicago, formerly of Wayland, died July 4 due to COVID-19.

She was born Aug. 23, 1932, in Wayland to Gustav and Suzanne Downorovicz. She married Joseph Grasinski in May 1954. He preceded her in death in 1988.

She grew up in the Wayland area, but spent time with family in Chicago, where she would end up living years later.

Elaine and her husband raised their four children in Wayland, and she spent many years employed by the Wayland Michigan School district, much of that time spent as the secretary of the athletic department. She made many friends there and is fondly remembered by past students.

She spent the last five years of her life in Chicago and enjoyed making many new friends including her very special friend, Ed Wise.

She loved classical music, bird watching, good books, writing, and spending time with family. Those who knew Elaine regarded her as a kind, gentle, caring woman who left the world a better place through her love, and the example she set. The strength and perseverance she showed in her final battle was just another example of her character.

Elaine was preceded in death by her mother and father, husband Joseph, two sisters Eleanor and Betty, and her son, Lee. She is survived by her three children Trish, Garry (Amy) and Mark (Patty); grandchildren Christopher, Michael, Joey, Meredith and Evie; nieces Eileen and Loretta, three great grandchildren, nieces, beloved “grand dogs” and Dr. Edward Wise.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

Those who would like to remember Elaine with a donation, please consider the National Audubon Society or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.