Fern Maxine Elias

Fern Maxine "Mickey" Elias Mickey Elias was born on January 17th, 1922 in Lincoln, NE and passed away early Saturday morning, June 7th, 2014 surrounded by family in Novi, MI. For Mickey, family was everything. To say that she was a mother, a wife, a chef and an artist all wrapped up into one will never do her justice enough. The love she shared with those around her inspired and fueled their ability to reach their potential. Hard to quantify and sometimes thankless, she was the cornerstone of her family. We all are who we are today because of her. A previous Executive Secretary for the city manager of Naperville, Illinois, Mickey did not shy away from a challenge and was always very organized and a known problem solver. She was always very involved in her community and a standing member of the First United Methodist Church, along with previously being an active member of the Hospital Guild of Central DuPage Hospital in Illinois. Even recently she participated in a church quilting group and bible study. Mickey was always known for her artistic abilities. Many of her loved ones and friends own pieces of her art or still wrap themselves in one of her beautifully handcrafted quilts. Mickey was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years Frank Elias, her sister Ruth Dick, her brother Keith Shankland and her parents Lawson and Lulu Shankland. Mickey passionately loved her family and is survived by her beloved daughters Linda and Pam with husbands Craig and Dean. Additionally she leaves her five grandchildren and their family's; Chris and Tyler, Emily and Brent, Erin and Eric and Megan and Howard including her four great granddaughters. Clara, Sasha, Skyler and Lylah really loved their "GiGi". She will be missed dearly by her sister-in-law Rose and many nephews and nieces. Mickey is also fondly remembered by many long term friends. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, June 24, 2014 at 7pm at the First United Methodist Church, 777 West 8 Mile Road, Northville, MI 48167 (please be advised that 8 Mile is closed between Beck and Taft Roads, but there will be access to the church). The family suggests that memorials may be made in lieu of flowers to the First United Methodist Church of Northville or the World Wildlife Fund, 1250 Twenty Fourth Street, N.W., PO Box 97180, Washington, DC 20090-7180.