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UPDATE: A graveside service for Elsie I. Lauluma, 96, of Chassell, who passed away on May 4, 2026, will be held at 11 am on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, in the Chassell Cemetery with Pastor Bucky Beach to officiate.
Elsie Irene (Tossava) Lauluma, 96, a longtime resident of Chassell, beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away at Portage Pointe in Hancock on Monday, May 4, 2026.
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Elsie was born on March 22, 1930, a daughter of the late Edward and Martha Tossava, residing in Highway Location. She was a 1949 graduate of Hancock Central High School.
In her early twenties, Elsie worked at Woolworths in Hancock, where she caught her future husband’s eye while dressing a window on Quincy Street. She married Edward Lauluma on September 5, 1953. They enjoyed 52 years together. Ed passed away in 2005. They raised 3 children on the family dairy farm.
Elsie had worked at the Chassell Co-op for many years before beginning her career at Michigan Tech University in the Food Service area at Douglass Houghton Hall. She retired in 1991. After retirement, Elsie and Ed travelled to Finland twice, visiting friends and family. They attended several FinnFest events as well as music festivals where Ed would perform with his talented fiddle playing.
Elsie was a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Chassell, where she was an avid quilter. She was a crocheter, making hundreds of Afghans and delicate snowflakes.
In addition to her parents and beloved husband Ed, Elsie was preceded in death by her sister Julia Anderson, son-in-law Jim Knight and Ed’s 1 brother and 3 sisters.
She is survived by her children:
Jim (Chris) Lauluma of Chassell
Dan Lauluma of Aura
Julie Knight of Hancock
8 grandchildren: Michele (Edgar), Melanie, Jason, Joelle, Eric, Greta, Jordan (Myndi), and Brandon
11 great-grandchildren: Alexis, Julia, Alyssa, Alec, Kylee, Saphryn, Ember, John, Jonathan, Liam, and Lyla.
Elsie is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
A graveside service is planned for a later date in the Chassell Cemetery.
Elsie’s family is so thankful for the exemplary care and love she received from the staff at Portage Pointe.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be directed to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Chassell in Elsie’s memory.
To view this obituary or to send condolences online to the family, please visit www.memorialchapel.net.
The Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service – Hancock Chapel is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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