Elaine Marie Monaghan

Our mother, grandmother and friend, Elaine Marie Monaghan, reached the end of her journey on earth and was born into Eternal Life, on Monday evening, April 24, 2017. Her journey's end began on Good Friday, April 14, 2017, as she reached her 93rd birthday.
The daughter of the late Earl and Angeline (Tobin) Bassett was born on April 14, 1924. Elaine graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1943 and proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1944-1945. Elaine retired from General Motors after 30 years at the age of 52. She said she "wanted to give the young people a job". Elaine was a devout member of Visitation (Our Lady of Peace) Parish for many years but her heart and soul remained with St. Joseph Parish, Third Street where she faithfully attended early Mass each Sunday morning.
Fiercely independent and strong, Elaine faced life's challenges head on. She was a Country Gal, City Gal and Navy Gal. What a Gal!
Though not a baker (she was an excellent cook - a meat and potatoes gal), nor interested in knitting or crocheting, she could proudly quote stats on the players of the Lions Football Team, occasionally being asked to settle a debate. She was an excellent role model: her work ethics, her compassion and caring for others and her love of animals has been passed down to us. We also have had engraved in us to always cook in quantity so that others may not feel they were taking the last bite. "You can always freeze leftovers"!
Elaine was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post 18 and the AMVETS Post #22. One of her proud accomplishments was her 17 year service in the Honor Guard. When Elaine's health began to decline and could no longer physically take part in the Honor Guard Services, this did not prevent her from sharing this special part of her life to all who would listen to her - especially the staff at the Bay County Medical Care Facility where she has resided for the past two and a half years.
On November 10, 1950 Elaine and Jim Monaghan were married. He predeceased her on June 3, 2010 after nearly 60 years of marriage. Left to cherish her memory are her two daughters, Nancy (Ron) Yurgaites, Dorothy Carvey-Tirmko of Bay City and Step-Daughter, Echo Mondeau of Saginaw; grandchildren: Lisa Leisentritt (Gary), Brent Yurgaites and fiance Lisa, Scott Carvey (Barb). Elaine also leaves her cousins, Mary Jane, Pat, Audrey and Pauline.
Besides her husband and parents, Elaine was also preceded in death by her great-grandchild, A.J. Leisentritt and son-in-law, Michael Tirmko.
Cremation has taken place. A Memorial Liturgy will take place at Our Lady of Peace Parish, on South Union St. in Bay City on Monday, May 1, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. Officiating will be Rev. Fr. Patrick M. Jankowiak followed by Military Honors conducted by the Bay County Veterans Council. Private inurnment will be in St. Patrick's Cemetery. Friends may call at the Gephart Funeral Home on Sunday from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. and at the church on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until time of service. The Vigil Service will take place at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday evening. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a Memorial Contribution to the Humane Society of Bay County or Brian's House.
Elaine's family would like to take this opportunity to thank the 2 West Staff at the Bay County Medical Care Facility for taking care of our mother for these last two and one half years. Everyone was wonderful to her. We always knew she was in good hands. Now she is in God's hands.