Elaine Helen (Mannesto) Donnelly, age 81, of Brimley, Michigan, died on March 19, 2024, at Hospice House of the EUP, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. She was born in Sault Ste. Marie on November 4, 1942, to parents George Elmer and Wilma Ida (Hakola) Mannesto.
Elaine spent her early childhood in Rudyard, Michigan and when she started Kindergarten, she only spoke Finnish and did not speak a word of English. She later moved to Sault Ste. Marie to complete her education. She graduated from Sault High School in 1960 and went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in accounting from Lake Superior State University. She then worked for Chippewa Motors for the next seventeen years. She married her beloved husband, Peter Donnelly on December 12, 1981, and spent forty-two loving years together. She later worked at the Brim O’ Bay Motel, however, her business at the Cozy Inn Bar became her life passion. Her impeccable accounting abilities were the foundation for this successful business venture she and her husband began 36 years and is still going strong thanks to her unprecedented accounting skills.
Elaine enjoyed spending time sewing, quilting, crocheting, and doing jigsaw puzzles. She enjoyed socializing with her friends and family at her favorite establishment The Cozy Inn or spending time in the great outdoors camping. She loved her home on the shoreline of Lake Superior and made many memories with her dear family there. She will be greatly missed.
Elaine is survived by her husband, Peter of Brimley; children, Steven (Bonnie) Pattison of Sault Ste. Marie, Kathleen Donnelly-Pawlanta of Gaylord, Michigan, and Kelly Jo Donnelly of Brimley; grandchildren, Megan Pattison, Chase Pawlanta, Kenley Pawlanta, Peter Pawlanta, Lake Pawlanta, Kaid Pawlanta, Keane Pawlanta, Jacques LeBlanc III, and Perry LaBlanc; great-grandchild, Avery Elaine; sister, Jean Mannesto of Sault Ste. Marie; cousin, Donni Thompson; nephews, Tate, Ryan and Matthew McCaffery; as well as many other beloved family members and friends.
Elaine is preceded in death by her parents, George and Wilma; Ex-Husband, Ron Pattison; and her faithful companion dog, Laya.
A Funeral Service will be held on Sunday, March 24, 2024, at Family Life Funeral Homes – Sault Ste. Marie, 4951 S. M-2129, with visitation beginning at 12PM followed by the service at 1PM.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations in Elaine’s memory may be left to Hospice of the EUP - 308 W. 12th Avenue, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783
Family Life Funeral Homes is serving the family. Condolences may be left to the family at www.familylifefh.com.
