Elsa Maria Barrett
November 10, 1929 - May 6, 2009

Elsa Barrett was an extraordinary woman with an insatiable zest for life that radiated to all those within her reach. It was no secret that she treasured her family and was happiest when she was surrounded by their loving company. Elsa was a woman of strong faith with a tender heart and generous spirit who often set aside her own needs to defer to the needs of others instead. Although Elsa lived a life full of accomplishments and remarkable moments, it was the relationships she fostered with others that mattered to her the most.

The majority of the decade of the 1920s was a time of prosperity within our nation. Americans loved life and we were introduced to flappers and speakeasies and the smooth sounds of jazz emanated from clubs across the country. Frank and Anna (Oosterstrom) Johnson, of Muskegon, Michigan were preparing for an exciting time within their own family as well, as they were eagerly anticipating the birth of their third child. They were indeed blessed on November 10, 1929 with the healthy birth of their daughter, Elsa. Joining older brother Harry and older sister Gunver in her family, Elsa grew up in the family home located in the Lakeside neighborhood of Muskegon. She enjoyed a typical childhood for children of this era filled with dance crazes such as the Charleston and the shimmy and dance marathons were all the rage as well. The Johnson family was proud of their Swedish heritage and together they attended the Swedish Lutheran Church, Samuel Lutheran, where Elsa attended confirmation classes. As a young girl, faith became a cornerstone in Elsas life which would follow her throughout her entire lifetime. Elsas father worked as a cabinet make for EH Sheldon while her mother stayed home and when their children were a bit older, both her father and her mother worked as custodians at the Muskegon County Courthouse.

As a student, Elsa attended local schools including Bunker School and then later Muskegon High School. While in ninth grade, Elsa met a fellow student who would forever change the course of Elsas life. He was a charming football player named Ted Barrett and he and Elsa began dating. Together they often loved to go dancing to the big band music at the Fruitport Pavilion or Curvecrest. After they graduated from high school in 1948, Ted went on to Hope College for two years while Elsa found work at Fitzpatrick Electrical Supply Co. Although this distance separated them for a time, their hearts remained connected and they were later united in marriage on September 1, 1950, deeply in love. The newlyweds enjoyed a wonderful reception at Elsas parents home where the guests enjoyed food that was lovingly prepared by Elsas mother who was a gifted cook.

It wasnt long before the young couple was blessed with the first of two children. Their daughter Claudia was born in 1951, followed by daughter Paula in 1955. Elsa immersed herself into caring for her girls, her family always her top priority, second only to her faith. Elsa and Ted raised their children on Chippewa St. in Norton Shores where love and laughter abounded. Ted supported his family doing tool design work in Muskegon and Elsa was blessed to stay home and care for her girls. Elsa was active in the lives of her daughters serving on the PTA and as a room mother. She also worked as a crossing guard at Lincoln School where the girls attended.

Together the Barrett family created numerous memories that will be cherished for a lifetime. Lake Michigan became the setting for many of the times they enjoyed and during the summers, Elsa loved taking her daughters to the beach. They also owned several larger boats throughout the years including 28 footer and 36 footer as well. Their family enjoyed taking two week trips to Leland during the summer, enjoying the magnificent scenery along the way. Great memories were often made around the family table too as Elsa was a great cook and was especially known for her pot roast and birthday pies. During the Christmas holidays, her family always enjoyed the traditional Swedish dishes that Elsa always prepared.

During her later years, Elsa enjoyed a variety of activities as well. She and Ted loved traveling, going to Puerto Vallarta nearly 20 times, often with other couples including the Kerrs and the VanKrevlins. They also traveled to Hawaii, the Canary Islands where Elsa rode camels, and they also had a memorable trip to Sweden with Elsas brother Harry and his wife Donna. They even celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a trip to the Dominican Republic. When their grandchildren arrived, Elsa adored them and she was of great help with Paulas children as she cared for them while Paula was at work. Elsa loved attending the various sporting events of her grandchildren including tennis matches and also taking them to the beach. Unfortunately, Elsas grandson, Tommy Pardo died in 1982 of Reyes Syndrome and then in 1999 another grandson, Ted Cooper died after a battle with leukemia.

There were several activities and traits that attributed making Elsa the remarkable woman that her family and friends knew and loved. She remained a faithful member at Samuel Lutheran Church where she enjoyed the fellowship with her fellow church members. Elsa loved dining at her favorite restaurant, the Old Channel Inn in Montague. Often, she and Ted dined there after church on Sundays with Harry and Donna. Elsa fostered a spirit of compassion as evidenced by her volunteer efforts including service at Hackley Hospital and as part of a group called Play Ladies who would visit area nursing homes to entertain the residents. Elsa enjoyed bowling with the Ladies Elks League and was also a member of the Vikings Lodge. Elsa maintained an active and fulfilling lifestyle until she was diagnosed with cancer just a few months ago.

Elsa Barrett was a vivacious woman with a warm demeanor who like a ray of sunshine, brought light and life to all those placed in her path. She viewed each day as a precious gift tailor made just for her, embracing both the peaks and valleys along lifes journey. Elsa was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother who made a lifetime of memories which her family will forever cherish. Elsa leaves behind a legacy of faith and love that will surely withstand the test of time. She will be dearly missed.

Elsa M. Barrett died Wednesday, May 6, 2009. Elsas family includes her husband, Ted; daughters, Claudia (Don) Barrett-Anderson of Fraser, Paula (David) Legard of N. Muskegon; grandchildren, Jessica (Dan) Klotz, Abby Cooper; great granddaughter, Ava Klotz; sister, Gunver Marchido of Cadillac. She was preceded in death by her brother, Harry Johnson. A memorial service will be held on Monday, May 11, 2009, 11:00 a.m. at Clock Chapel with Pastor Chris Anderson officiating. Visit with Elsas family and friends on Sunday, 2-5 p.m. at Clock Life Story Funeral Homes - Muskegon location - Muskegon, MI. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com, where you can leave a favorite memory or photo or make a memorial contribution to Hackley VNS Hospice or Samuel Lutheran Church.

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