Elaine (Niedermiller) Hargreaves

Elaine Hargreaves (Niedermiller), age 94, passed away peacefully on 12/25/2021 at Arden Courts of Bingham Farms, MI. She was born on 4/18/1927 in Detroit, MI. to Arthur Niedermiller and Bertha (Orling) Niedermiller. Elaine shared 59 years of love and marriage with her husband Louis H. Hargreaves, Jr. until his death in 2008. She graduated as valedictorian from South Lake High School and attended Michigan State University. She grew up in St. Clair Shores, MI and lived many years in Berkley, MI. Survived by her four children: Steven Hargreaves (Meg), Christine Dunkerley (Thomas), Susan Bund (the late Charles), and Grace Neuenschwander (Jay). Seven Grandchildren: James Bund, Mark Neuenschwander, Sarah Desjardine (Christopher), Lisa Strebendt (Nick), Scott Dunkerley, Alice Hargreaves (Erik Mitchell), and Nathaniel Hargreaves. Five Great-Grandchildren: Luke, Charlotte, Jonathan, Olivia, and Eleanora. Brother-in-law and Sisters-in-law and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, two sisters, and two brothers. Elaine loved caring for others-her husband, children, church, and friends. To quietly help and serve in a tangible, practical way was her joy. She was a 'doer' and busy until the end of life. She was patient, kind, listened to others, and always tried to make sure everyone was comfortable and had what they needed. She faithfully volunteered at a nursing home and delivered Meals on Wheels for several years. Elaine didn't like to just sit around despite her Parkinson's difficulties. She wanted to help fold linens at her Memory Care unit and to be on the move! Elaine worked as a bookkeeper in downtown Detroit and later loved working as a Teacher's Aide with both elementary and special needs high school students. She was a wonderful involved mother who was always there for her children. She read to them and was active in PTA and often a Room Mother. Elaine loved to play games and cards with her children and grandchildren and to have fun with them. Elaine put her faith and trust in Jesus Christ as her Savior at an early age. She loved her church and serving there. She was faithful in attending Bible Study and truly lived out her faith. She loved gardening and her flowers. Her table was often graced by cut flowers from her garden. She received House Beautification awards for both her home of 60 years in Berkley and for her flower garden at her cottage in Lexington, MI. Elaine was an active person who loved swimming in Lake Huron, attending water fitness classes, ice skating, cross-country skiing, canoeing, and faithfully exercising at Curves, even in her 80's. She knitted afghans for every child and grandchild (11 total!). After High School, Elaine loved to go horseback riding with friends and owned her own horse for a time. A lover of the outdoors, she and her husband enjoyed camping with their trailer. They traveled to all 50 U.S. states, also toured Europe and Mexico, and took several cruises. Her children were inspired by her ability to adapt to changes in her later life. Elaine moved from her home of 60 years to a Senior apartment where she enjoyed becoming part of that community. From her apartment she moved to Assisted Living/Memory Care where she received care from many wonderful caregivers. Elaine was dearly loved and will be greatly missed.  A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 2, 2022,  11 AM, at Ascension Lutheran Church, 16935 W. 14 Mile Road, Beverly Hills, MI  48025.

Donations may be made to:
Ascension Lutheran Church                
16935 W. 14 Mile Road 
Beverly Hills, MI 48025 
248-644-8890

Michigan Parkinson Foundation
30400 Telegraph Road, Suite 150
Bingham Farms, MI 48025
Toll free: (800) 852-9781

 

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