Elaine Mary McKeown's Obituary
Blanchard – Elaine Mary McKeown, 58, of Blanchard, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday,
March 25, 2023, at her residence.
She was born May 20, 1964, in Rockford, IL, the daughter of Bernard and May (MacLean)
McKeown. As a child, Elaine moved to the Detroit area, and graduated from Wayne Memorial
High School in 1982. She then enlisted in the United States Marine Corp., and was stationed in
Okinawa, Japan, when she gave birth to her son Jack.
Following her discharge in 1986, she went on to get her bachelor’s degree from Eastern
Michigan University and her teaching certification. Elaine loved the family cottage on Chippewa
Lake in Mecosta County where she and Jack moved to. Elaine was a Jack of all trades. She was a
teacher, she owned and operated the Chippewa Lake Bar and the Chippewa Lake Grocery for
many years. She enjoyed being part of the tight knit community and made many friends there.
Elaine also worked for ITT Tech and Southwest Florida College while living in Florida. In her
spare time she enjoyed gardening and especially loved growing giant sun flower. Elaine had a
very strong faith and attended St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Remus.
Elaine loved her family more than anything. She is survived by her son Jack (Danielle) Wilson of
Remus; 4 grandchildren, Aiden, Bayleigh, Chloe, and Piper Wilson; her mother May of
Plymouth; her sisters Kathleen Keck of Farmington Hills, and Maureen (Ron) Eisbrenner of
Plymouth; her nephews David Keck, Sean Keck, and Bernard Eisbrenner; her niece Allison
Eisbrenner; and many other family and friends. She was preceded in death by her father in
1997.
The Funeral Mass for Elaine will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 5, 2023, at St,
Michael’s Catholic Church in Remus, with Fr. Tom Bouffard celebrant. Elaine’s family will greet
friends at Janowicz Family Funeral Home in Remus, Michigan on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, from 5
– 7 PM with Rosary Service starting at 6:30 PM. Those desiring may direct memorial
contributions in her name to the church or to St, Jude Children’s Hospital. Friends may share a
memory with the family on-line at JanowiczFH.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Elaine?
What’s a lesson you learned from Elaine?
Share a story where Elaine's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Elaine you’ll never forget.
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