May 12, 2014
Elaine Marie Verhaeghe, 77, of Essexville, our kind, generous and loving mother, grandma and nana was born into eternal life on the afternoon of Monday, May 12, 2014 at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. Elaine was born in Pigeon on January 9, 1937, the daughter of the late Roy and Marguerite (Thiel) Kleido. Through a roommate and friend, Elaine would go on to meet Donald Joseph "Zeke" Verhaeghe. They dated, fell in love and were united in marriage on November 8, 1958. Their marriage was blessed with nearly fifty years before Zeke preceded Elaine in death on March 1, 2007. Known for her compassionate and caring ways, Elaine will be remembered by many for her time spent working at Dow in her earlier years and managing the Subway in Essexville. Elaine's family was her world. She will forever be remembered for her love of sewing, baking, gardening, poker, cribbage, euchre, bingo and occasionally taking a trip to the casino. Elaine was an active parishioner of St. John the Evangelist Church, where she was deeply loved and will be deeply missed. Her love of her family will live on for generations to come. Left to cherish her memory are her children, Donald Jay Verhaeghe, Darold Arthur Verhaeghe, Dawn and husband, James Seidel, Debra and husband, Steven Gallagher and Dean and wife, Lisa Verhaeghe. Elaine was the adoring and loving grandma and nana of Christopher Netzley, Kathleen, Briana and Keely Gallagher and Raegen and Robynn Verhaeghe. In addition to her parents and her husband, Elaine was welcomed home to heaven by her son, Dennis James Verhaeghe; granddaughter, Rachel Verhaeghe and sister, Connie Louise Kleido. Elaine's family will be present to receive visitors on Wednesday, May 14, 2014 from 2:00 PM until 8:00 PM with a 7:00 PM Vigil for the Deceased at Skorupski Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 955 N. Pine Rd., Hampton Twp. On Thursday, May 15, 2014, Elaine will be taken to St. John the Evangelist Church, 614 Pine St., where visiting will continue from 9:00 AM until her 10:00 AM Funeral Liturgy. Fr. Dale Orlik will officiate with cremation to follow. Memorial contributions in memory of Elaine may be directed to St. John the Evangelist Church or St. Jude Children's Hospital. The entire family wishes to extend a heartfelt thanks to the staff of Henry Ford Hospital for their compassionate care. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family online at www.skorupskis.com.
I remember this sweet face at St. John and am saddened by the loss for the family. My sincere sympathy. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family. May she rest in peace. Jane Grzegorczyk
Dear Debbie and family,We are so sorry for the loss of your Mom. She was a wonderful lady I am proud to have known. She was always smiling and gave me a hug. She was the only person who called me “Kimmy” and it didn’t bother me! I will miss seeing her at church. May she rest in the arms of the angels and breathe easy now!! With Deepest Sympathy,Kim Grawburg and family. My Mom,Vickie Dabrowski sends her love and prayers too!!
My heart is broken for you all. Mrs Verhaeghe was an awesome person.Very kind and generous. Always a smile on her face and mischief in her eyes. She was also very talented and crafty lady. The dress she made me one year was beautiful. I wore it till it couldn’t be worn anymore.
Prayers of comfort for you all through this sad and difficult time. Know that the Lord has His arms around you all and is now taking care of her. Her spirit is free and in peace. God’s blessings on you all.
Memories – Peaceful Reflections Marker was purchased for the family of Elaine Marie Verhaeghe.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to your entire family! She was a special lady!
Our hearts go out to all of you at this difficult time. Elaine was such a special lady, she always made us feel so welcomed in her home. We will always remember swimming in her pool on those hot days. You are a very special family to us and we are all here for you all. We miss you Elaine.