Elaine Rosen

She was born on April 6, 1952 in Williamston, Michigan to the late Leslie Gale and Helen Elizabeth (Parmalee) Partridge. Elaine grew up in Williamston and graduated from Perry High School in 1970. While in school Elaine played the clarinet in the band and her favorite class was Home Economics. Elaine was awarded most improved in her class and was proud of the lessons and skills she learned there that prepared her for her most beloved job.

On March 27, 1971, Elaine married her high school sweetheart Richard A. Rosen, Jr. They moved to East Lansing while Dick was in cadet school for the Michigan State Police, and it was then that they welcomed their daughter Carrie to the world. Once Dick became a Trooper his first Post was in Detroit and their family moved to Plymouth where Michael was born. In 1976, the State Police decided the family should spend some time in the Upper Peninsula and was transferred to the Munising Post. Elaine enjoyed bowling in leagues, painting with friends using mediums from nature like driftwood and pinecones, and volunteering at the school for her kids’ classrooms and trips and was a Den Mother for Michael’s Cub Scout pack. She also worked at Denman’s Department Store.

In 1984, Dick was called back downstate to the Northville District Headquarters and the family moved to Brighton. Elaine’s desire to serve and volunteer continued in Brighton and she became very active in the youth programs at the Brighton Wesleyan Church where she volunteered in the nursery and was happiest in the Toddler Room. It was at church where she became active with the “Shoebox Ministry” for Operation Christmas – filling boxes with toys and necessities for kids all over the world. She was constantly filling her basket at her home throughout the year so she could be prepared when Christmas came. Elaine worked at Meijer as a cashier and a trusted member of the cash office in Brighton and then in Howell for twenty-four years before retiring in 2013. Elaine and Dick built their home in Howell where Elaine flexed her green thumb growing the most beautiful flower garden. She learned and researched what flowers to plant to make sure the garden was always in bloom.

With retirement on the horizon, they purchased land in the Upper Peninsula and eventually built their home on Straights Lake in the Hiawatha National Forest. Elaine loved living out there and was grateful for the ability to live in such a beautiful place. Their home was a draw for family and others. It created a gathering place for everyone to spend time together. The summers were spent with visitors at their home almost every weekend. Elaine planned the meals, trips, and adventures for everyone to make sure their vacations in the U.P. were special. She was the founder of the Straits Lake Island Picnic and the festivities grew larger every year. They faithfully attended the Munising Baptist Church and Elaine got her toddler fix working back in the nursery. At church, Elaine continued to carry on the Shoebox ministry.

Grandparenting was a priority for Elaine and she always wanted to make sure that each visit was special and memorable. Her passion for crafts was elevated when she shared her talents with her grandchildren, and her projects were always meaningful crafts. Elaine made Christmas cookies and ornaments, she did cross stitch, made wreaths, created crafts out of nature finding art and beauty in wildlife, and enjoyed photography, and scrapbooking. Elaine loved scrapbooking with her sisters, making beautiful albums and family history books. Her scrapbooking evolved into homemade and personalized Christmas envelopes for her grandchildren that were filled with savings bonds and silver coins. Every gift that she gave was thoughtful and she loved being under the tree passing out the gifts.

She was a generous and giving woman of her time and talents. Family was a priority to Elaine. She followed her children to all of their games and activities, and she enjoyed being with her siblings and extended family. Elaine always found a way to make time for everyone.

Elaine is survived by her husband of over fifty-three years – Dick Rosen of Wetmore; daughter and son-in-law – Carrie and Chris Groszek of Hinsdale, IL; son and daughter-in-law – Michael and Amie Rosen of Gaylord, MI; grandchildren – Sawyer and Jack Groszek and Molly (fiancee Joe Andreoli) Marlatt and Donald Marlatt; great-grandson – Noah; sister – Dorothy Runyon; brothers – Jim (Beth), John (Marilyn), and Gary (Bob) Partridge; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister Phyllis (Clyde) Isham, and brother-in-law Paul Nichols.

Services will be held at the Munising Baptist Church in Wetmore on Sunday, March 2, 2025. Visiting time with family and friends will be from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. Pastor Jason LaFlamme will conduct Elaine’s memorial service at 3:00 p.m. A second service will be held in the Lansing area at a later date. Memorials in Elaine’s name may be made to Alger County Commission on Aging that provides senior services and meals on wheels.

Elaine’s obituary and online tribute wall may be found at bowermanfuneralhome.net.