Elaine S. Hoogerwerf, age 83, of Farmington Hills, passed away May 24, 2023, with her family nearby. 

She was born March 9, 1940, to the late Anthony and Helen Morris in Rathbun, Iowa. Elaine was the beloved wife of Richard and loving mother of Stasia (Richard) Collins, Ted (Jackie) Hoogerwerf, Julia (Dave) Gourley, and Bill (Theresa) Hoogerwerf. Proud grandmother of Jen, Stacy, Ben, Austin, Elodie and Luke. She was preceded in death by her sisters, Mary Ann and Sylvia.

Elaine was married for 60 years to her 8th grade sweetheart, she and Richard built a life together upon their Catholic faith. They both attended Sacred Heart Catholic grade school in Moline, Illinois, and Alleman Catholic High School in Rock Island, Illinois. Elaine was a popular cheerleader and Richard was the all-star athlete, playing football, basketball and baseball. Elaine went on to attend Marycrest College in Davenport, Iowa, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in education. She started her career as a teacher, only to quickly discover she was pregnant. It was right then that Elaine dedicated herself to raising her family.

Blessed with four children, Elaine became the master of juggling sports and after-school activities while still providing delicious home-cooked meals every night. She managed to find time for herself and to run a business. For decades, she was The Calico Lady selling her handcrafted items in gymnasiums, community centers and art fairs. She spent her earnings on family vacations, swim club memberships and her children’s college funds. Throughout her life, she also enjoyed gardening, tennis, swimming and golf.

She was happiest when her family was together. Being the perfectionist that she was, Elaine was known amongst her children as the master spell checker and grammar enforcer. These skills were passed down to her children and grandchildren.

Later in life, Elaine and Richard became ‘snowbirds.’ Spending half the year in their Farmington Hills home, and the other half in Naples, Florida. They had the best of both worlds. Elaine treasured the time spent with her family and enjoyed the company of great friends.

Elaine knew her acquaintances well. She listened to them and remembered what they liked or when something important was happening in their life. She did thousands of thoughtful little things with a personal touch. She mailed interesting newspaper articles and comic strips to friends and family. She would leave gifts for the neighbor's new grandchild or share the pickles she canned. She made stunning greeting cards. One Valentine’s Day, each of her grandkids opened a card that opened up into a box full of hearts. Each card was color coded for their favorite school.  

Her love of life and the people in it will remain a precious memory and she will be so deeply missed by all who knew her.  

A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, June 10th, at 11:00 a.m., with gathering beginning at 10:00 a.m. at St. Fabian Catholic Church, 32200 W. 12 Mile Rd., Farmington Hills.

Inurnment will be November 9, 2023 in the St. Agnes Catholic Church Columbarium in Naples, Florida.

Memorial donations in Mrs. Hoogerwerf’s name may be made to the American Heart Association or to St. Fabian Catholic School Tuition Assistance. To assist a St. Fabian student please click on the following link: https://ppay.co/zJf3AyzOUaA