Elaine Janet Fletcher nee Wright, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, born December 28, 1937 left this world unexpectedly Friday, February 8, 2019. We know she’ll be greeted warmly by quite a welcoming party that includes: her parents Howard Fitch Wright and Ethel L. Wright; her brother Howard Eliot Wright; her husband James F. Fletcher; and lifelong friend James R. Mason. A graduate of Cooley High School in Detroit and the University of Michigan, she taught for over two decades in Grand Rapids Public Schools and Aquinas College. As a result, she touched many lives. She showered her grandchildren with wonderful books and her love of the fine arts. Good friends remember the faith she had in them in times of struggle, and the strength she showed as a young single mom. The teacher in her would appreciate the adjectives her loved ones use to describe her: loving, sincere, honest, caring, faithful, extraordinarily intelligent (and the best Trivial Pursuit player!), supportive, tough with a sarcastic sense of humor, and unrelenting in helping at-risk kids. She also loved crosswords, board games, classical music, a great chili dog and a big handful of caramels. Elaine leaves behind her two loving daughters Carole Elaine Fletcher-Catherine (husband Timothy Catherine) and Kimberley Anne Fletcher (partner William Dukarski); grandchildren Elliot C. Rahn and Colin James Rahn; plus nieces Stacey Wright-Verkeyn, Jennifer Wright-Wharton, Kelly Wright-McKinney and Amy Wright-Zemple; and sister-in-law Vicki Wright (widow of Howard E. Wright). A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be said at St. Robert’s of Newminster, 6477 Ada Dr., Ada, MI Friday, February 15, 2019 at 11 AM; preceded by visitation at 10 AM. Rev. Leonard Sudlik presiding. The family requests you dress in beautiful colors to remember Elaine. A party in her memory will be held in the spring for those who can’t attend the memorial. Donations can be made to one of Elaine’s favorite places, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Attn: Advancement, PO Box 199, Interlochen, MI 49643; or the Grand Rapids Symphony, 300 Ottawa NW Ste. 100, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.
10 Responses
What a beautiful tribute. She will be missed. All our love and prayers.
Bill and Lisa Faison
Kim,
I am so sorry for your loss! Your mom was an amazing lady! Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Blessings,
Karla
With deepest sympathy on the loss of your mother. May you find peace and strength from our heavenly father.
You were always at the top of my list of favorite people who touched my life in a beautiful way – we shared many laughs and compassionate moments . My love to you, Connie
To my old friend and co-worker Carole, and the entire family, my deepest sympathy for your loss.
I have no doubt that with God’s good grace, and your own mutual support, the next few days of clouds and sadness of the few days, will be pushed away by the sunshine and warmth of loving memory.
Beautiful obit, she must have been an extraordinary woman to know.
R.I.P.
Carole, Tim and family
Keeping you in my prayers.
Rest In Peace to our sweet aunt. Please give everyone in heaven a hug for us!!!
My deepest sympathy on the loss of a wonderful friend of many years. She will be greatly missed .
With my love and prayers.
I am going to miss you Elaine. Although we never worked together I loved all the conversations about the children that we loved serving and teaching. My prayers go out to you Kim as you grieve.
Kathy Sainz
Love you Kim, Bill, Carole and whole family.
So many good memories of your mom have rushed back to me this past week, such joy!
Ann sends her prayers as does Grace Tittel. They played bridge here and there 🙂 and had great times.