We come with broken hearts to announce the passing of Elsa M. See on September 13, 2025. Though she had recently celebrated her 88th birthday, she was still taken before we were ready for her to go.
Elsa was born in Detroit, Michigan on September 4, 1937, where she lived and raised her family for 50 years. She moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 1988, opting for sunnier skies and summer year round. Before the snow came, of course, she was done with winter! Elsa spent her life traveling and enjoying time with her family through card games and musicals, instilling great life lessons of never taking things too seriously but remaining steadfast in your sense of self.
She later retired to Sun City, although her life did not slow down in the least. She continued to travel both solo and with the Ya- Ya’s (her sisters), oftentimes coming back with a full camera and a great tan. She also joyfully spent time volunteering, played euchre on a weekly basis, read copious amounts of books, grew luscious roses in her garden, and enjoyed cruising in her golf cart to keep a friendly eye open for others, while still maintaining time for her family and friends.
Elsa was quick witted and had an impressive knowledge of obscure word meanings, making her a challenging Scrabble opponent! She passed on this knowledge during weekly games with her family, along with her infectious laugh that rang out during most card games she was present at. Holidays were lovingly and gleefully spent at her home, creating traditions of eggnog drank from jingle bell cups and egg dying with silly faces drawn on the shells so they wouldn’t be forgotten (like that one time in 2012).
Her life in Arizona was enjoyed to its fullest, though changes in her life and health led to a move to Silver Bay, Minnesota in July 2024 to Carefree Living. She brought over the sunshine with her, dressing in un-missable Hawaiian shirts and slippers and continued to spend time with family and friends. She stayed artistically creative making paintings and drawings, and enjoying her music and audio books, and her life. We would like to extend special thanks to the staff at Carefree and the Hospice team for their kindness, warmth and dignity given to Elsa throughout her time there.
Elsa was preceded in death by both her parents, five sisters and one brother, as well as extended family and friends. Survivors include her five kids: Michael (Kelly) Baker, Monica (Mike) Rehm, Shelley (Dennis) Nelson, Teresa Berty, and April See. Elsa also had 9 grandchildren: Jocelyn and Jennifer, Vanessa, Tiffany and Cory, Kimberly and Charlotte, and Briana and Caralynne. She also had 9 grandchildren, Shawn and Kassidy, Marley, Ryland, and Brinley, Elizabeth and Ethan, and Carmen and Karina, brother-in-law, Jim, sister-in-law, Loretta, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Elsa brought love and laughter into the lives of the many people who knew and loved her. A memorial service and celebration of life will be held in Finland, Minnesota at a later date.
Elsa, Mom, Gramma, sister, friend… you are deeply loved. You will be incredibly missed and never forgotten. Rest in peace, fly free.
