Obituary
Marie Elias, 80, passed away peacefully on March 23, 2019 in Tavares, Fla. Her beloved children, Greg and Karen, surrounded her with love as she embarked on the journey to her next life. Marie was born Jan. 25, 1939 in Detroit, Mich., the daughter of Arthur and Claire (Lioret) Graham. She married Kenneth Elias in April 1961.
Marie was an accomplished painter. Her oil-on-canvas landscapes were admired by all who viewed her work. Her paintings adorned her home, floor-to-ceiling on many walls, and also brightened the homes of family and friends.
Marie’s tasteful eye could be seen in many things, from sewing and beading wedding gowns to decorating Russian eggs. Most anything she touched was beautified. Her eye for furniture placement and interior decorating was admired by many. Her flourish in the kitchen (likely enhanced by her French heritage) produced delicious meals, often served on an impeccable tablescape for guests.
Marie and Ken moved with their children to Burlington, Vt. in 1965. Marie was a stay-at-home mom during her children’s early years, then embarked on a sales career in the insurance and retail industries in and around Burlington. Her incisive questions and sound advice helped customers find products that best fit their needs, while her friendly demeanor made her a sales leader.
After Ken retired, the couple moved from Vermont to Virginia. There, Marie was prolific in painting and decorative arts. Her humor, joy for life and quick wit were yet another form of art. She cheered many friends through their sorrows.
Marie and Ken later moved to Leesburg, Fla. During their final decade together, they enjoyed travel cruises and went ballroom dancing every Saturday evening.
After grieving the loss of her husband in 2013, Marie’s strength and faith allowed her to refashion her life once again. She used her new apartment as a blank canvas and transformed it into a beautiful home. She made many new friends, and enjoyed her morning “coffee posse” with them.
Marie was also a loving, joyful, generous and instructive grandmother to her beloved Wayne, Shania and Ian. Whether she sang to them or shared her famous recipe for macaroni and cheese, she left the hearts of her grandchildren warmer after every visit.
Marie is survived by her son, Greg Elias, and his wife, Patricia McManus Elias, of Williston, Vt.; her daughter, Karen Elias Ager, and her husband, Donald R. Ager Jr., of Concord, N.H.; her grandchildren, Shania and Ian; and her nieces and nephews Michael, Debbie, Katie, Lisa and Leslie.
Donations in Marie’s memory may be made to the National Kidney Foundation.
Love your granddaughter Shania Elias❤️
I was very saddened to hear of your passing. I will forever Remember our coffee posses every morning and our luncheon every day!
Rest in peace, and fly high free of all health issues! Will forever think of you with love!
Pam wehby
Last photo I took of Marie
Reading the tribute made me realize how creative and energetic your mom was. I'm sure she passed much of that on to her children and her grandchildren, as I have seen so much creativity and energy in you! I remember your beautiful home in Vermont. She obviously had a knack for making a beautiful home. Sending you love and hugs.
Laura
This was a loving tribute to your mom. I hadn't realized how creative she was, but it explains where your creative and energetic spark came from! I do remember your house was beautiful in Vermont, and it seems your mom had a knack for creating beautiful environments. She also created beautiful people in her children and grandchildren. I know you will miss her. Hold each other tight. Love and hugs for you.
Laura
; but what I remember most are the many Holiday Dinners which even graciously included one of my Great Nephews who was attending college in Florida at the time. In Addition to the Holiday Dinners there were many other dinners wherein Marie served some of my favorite meals, once prepared by my own mother. I always called these dinners "high society", as nothing was left undone. Table settings were exquisite, with the finest china and Waterford crystal.
Good people slip the surly bonds of earth to touch the face of the Lord ✝
Some people say she was taken away or is gone, but nobody is truly gone whose memory lives on in our hearts forever..