ELAINE ‘FRENCHY’ LaFOND

Elaine ‘Frenchy’ LaFond, 87, died April 12, 2012, in the love and care of her family.

She was preceded in death by parents, Edward and Irene (Rutzen); her role model and well-loved sister, Myra (Cliff) Campbell; her favorite person and much beloved brother, Dan (Ruth), and her dear friend and housemate for over 50 years, Mary Pritzlaff,

Elaine’s adopted family for the past 35 years will miss her warmth, sunny disposition, happy approach to life, and her acceptance and guidance; Pat Flannery, Patrick Jezuit, Beth and Randy Jozwiak and the grandchildren, Hannah, Sam, Melissa, Luke, Justin and Grace; Ron Jezuit and her fond friend Naomi (Mike) Henise. The best neighborhood ever will miss her welcoming and wise presence.

She was a pioneer in the advancement of women in her lifetime, becoming a fledgling tool and die maker at Allis Chalmers in the 40s but being told that she could not go there as a woman; becoming one of the first female police officers in Milwaukee in the 50s; playing avidly on some of the first girls baseball, basketball and field hockey teams; building her own home; enjoying Mary’s nieces and nephews and guiding Pat’s children to adulthood, forming deep friendships with them and their children. She was a truly holy and unassuming person. We have been given the gift of all gifts in sharing her life and her death.

According to her wishes, she has been cremated and the burial rite will be private.

A memorial service is Saturday, May 5, at 11 a.m., at Norway Lutheran Church, 6321 Heg Park Road, Wind Lake, A luncheon and reception will follow. Also according to her wishes, no flowers please. Donations to Norway Lutheran Church or to the Salvation Army in her honor would support her chosen causes.

The family appreciates the innovative services of the Cremation Society of Milwaukee at Max A. Sass, and the vascular surgery team, led by Dr. Peter Rossi, and the entire splendid staff of the 3rd floor at Froedtert Hospital who supported Elaine, Pat and the family through the final weeks with caring and expertise that sustained them in difficult times. The hospice programs of Froedtert and the Visiting Nurse Association of Burlington helped the family over the last few days of Elaine’s life to guide her way with love, peace and dignity in her own home as she fervently desired.

Oh, by the way, we hear she is chasing geese somewhere.