Elaine Francis Osborne

Elaine Francis (Kwilosz) Osborne of Kalkaska, Michigan, peacefully passed away at her home on August 27th, 2023, after a long battle with Parkinson's Disease and Dementia. She was under the loving care of her daughters and hospice. Elaine was born on August 17th, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois, to the late Frank and Bernice (Dybas) Kwilosz. She was raised on the south side of Chicago alongside her older brother, Robert Kwilosz, and attended a nearby Catholic school. Elaine had a different upbringing than most her age. She was forced to mature quickly when her mother passed away during her childhood. This was just one of the many challenges that she faced with immense strength. That strength remained with her throughout her life and became one of the many qualities she passed on to her children, grandchildren, and beyond. Elaine met her future husband, Robert Osborne, when he was stationed in Chicago. Fate brought them together as Robert noticed a 'pretty blonde' standing outside her house. The two would remain together for the next 51 years. They married in Clinton, Iowa, on February 3rd, 1958, and soon after, moved to Pontiac, Michigan. Elaine dedicated her life to being a homemaker and took pride in being a loving and devoted wife, mother, and, in later years, grandmother. Since her husband was a truck driver, Elaine would occasionally accompany him on his long drives, traveling to 45 states over the years. The family eventually settled on Twin Lake Road in Mancelona, Michigan, in the early 70s. Here, they spent 40 years and raised their four daughters, as well as their grandchildren as their daughters started their own families. This property held countless cherished memories for relatives and friends alike. Elaine was known for her early morning routine. She would start her day by turning on 9 and 10 News, sipping a coffee with cream and sugar, and enjoying a cigarette (though she eventually quit smoking). Even as she aged, she maintained her early morning coffee habit, replacing the cigarettes with donuts or cookies, and 9 and 10 News remained a must. Elaine also had a deep affection for Elvis Presley and enjoyed listening to his music. Her favorite activity in later years was playing the slots at the casino, always wearing her 'lucky shirt'—a red and white striped one. She also liked scratch-offs and often had better luck than others. Elaine was renowned for her delicious meals, particularly her pot roast and stuffed cabbage rolls. She was an ardent fan of the Detroit Tigers and loved watching their games. She ALWAYS had to have her police scanner to satisfy her nosey side, but most importantly, Elaine was known for her boundless love for her family. Elaine is survived by four daughters: Cheryl (Rick) Moore of Gaylord, Tammy Osborne, Stacy Osborne, and Shannon (Nate) Goddard, all of Kalkaska. She is also survived by nine grandchildren: Danielle, Stephanie, Donald, Jordan, Jacob, Cody, Shelby, Nathanael, and MaKenzee, as well as seven great-grandchildren: Brennan, James, Allison, Dylan, Liam, Sloane, and a baby girl due in December, and two great-great-grandchildren: Xion and Mason, her noisy bird, Ozzie and kitty, Lily. Elaine was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 51 years, Robert 'Ozzie' Osborne (2009), two sisters-in-law, Mary Blackburn of Lapeer, Michigan, and Nancy Hogerheide of South Boardman, Michigan, her older brother, Robert Kwilosz (01/13/2023), grandson-n-law, Jordan Blodgett and her beloved dachshund, Milo, and numerous other cherished relatives and friends. A memorial luncheon will be held on Sunday, September 10th, 2023, at the Kalkaska Senior Center in Kalkaska, Michigan. The family will receive family and friends beginning at 12 pm. Donations can be made to Shannon Goddard (303 North Orange Street, Kalkaska, MI 49646) or the GoFundMe page (https://gofund.me/a24fe9b4) to assist with final expenses and cremation costs. The family expresses gratitude to Kalkaska Funeral Home and hospice for their care and support for Elaine's family during this time and for Elaine during her final days. Elaine faced many challenges throughout her life, but her unwavering strength endured. Parkinson's Disease proved to be her ultimate battle, one she confronted with relentless courage until the very end.

Elaine Francis Osborne

August 17, 1942 - August 27, 2023