Elaine M. Mather

Elaine Mary Mather, 89, of Gladwin, Michigan.  I passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 8, 2017 after struggling with a lymphoma for several years.

I was born to Levi and Ruby (Raymond) White on May 31, 1927, in Flint, MI.  I grew up in Flint, spending my summers on the family farm in Pinconning.  During my teen years, I cared for my invalid mother who passed away in 1951.

On June 14, 1947, I married James Mather in Flint. Jim was a wounded veteran, and I spent much of my life caring for him.  In 1952, we moved to Gladwin, where much of my husband’s family was located.

I worked for a few years for Adolph Renas as a meat cutter.  I then worked for more than 30 years at Cedar Cleaners and Silverleaf Discount before retiring in 1989.  I was known to many people in Gladwin as a seamstress and was a master at alterations.

I was a devout Catholic throughout my life and was one of the founding members of the Sacred Heart Mission.  I was also a very devoted volunteer to Sacred Heart Church and to many veteran organizations.  I held many State offices in Blue Star Mothers, including Department President.  I was also the National Financial Secretary for Blue Star Mothers, as well as the President of the National Big Dipper.  I was very involved in the American Legion Auxiliary, continuing as Financial Secretary until age 89.  I held every local chapter office in the American Legion Auxiliary, having been a member since 1968.  I was a Lifetime Member of the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary.  I enjoyed serving as a volunteer at the Veteran’s Hospital in Ann Arbor for more than 25 years.

I enjoyed volunteering, golfing, bowling, camping, was a voracious reader and loved spending time with my grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  In my later years, I enjoyed playing games on my iPad, going to the casino occasionally and I still managed to read 2 newspapers every day.  I always looked forward to our family reunion each summer, where a group of us camped, ate, and played games together for 3 days.

I was very dedicated to my family.  I’m so happy that my family was always able to count on me for help with everything that they were involved in.  I delighted in every one of my descendants, endeavoring to share all of the accomplishments and the events in their lives. One piece of advice that I would like to leave for everyone is this:  “Cleaning and scrubbing can wait till tomorrow; for children grow up, I’ve learned to my sorrow.  So quiet down cobwebs, dust go to sleep.  I’m raising my children and children don’t keep.”

I am survived by my son, James (Bill) Mather of Gladwin, daughter Martha Hilton of Fort Smith, AR, and daughter Elizabeth & Martin Looker of Gladwin, 9 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, 1 brother, Reverend Fr. Leroy White of Davison, 1 sister, Theresa Ann Charron of Flint, and a multitude of loving nieces and nephews.

I was predeceased by my husband Jim in 1990, my mother Ruby in 1951, my father Levi and stepmother Mary in 1967.

Arrangements are in the care of Hall-Kokotovich Funeral Home.  Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 12, 2017, from 12-9.  There will be a service from the American Legion and Blue Star Mothers beginning at 7:00, with a rosary and prayer service to follow.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Church, Gladwin, on Monday, February 13, 2017 at 11:00 with Rev. Fr. Leroy White presiding.  Burial will take place at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Gladwin, immediately following the funeral.