Elaine H. Addis

Addis, Elaine H.

After more than 90 years on this earth, Elaine Addis decided to join her mother, father, brothers and sisters in heaven. We are certain they are having an incredible welcome home celebration.

The youngest of 8 children, Elaine was born in La Crosse, Wis., on June 9, 1925, to Siad and Shaheen Addis. She was a first generation Lebanese-American and proud of it. She was a life-long Northsider and still lived in the family home. Her mother and father immigrated to La Crosse when they were only 14 year old.

Elaine gave generously of her time and money to many charities in our community, including Gundersen-Lutheran, St. Francis Medical Center, St. James Catholic Church, Bishop’s Annual Appeal, the Shrine, Diocese of L Crosse, Aquinas School, the former St. James and St. John’s School, St. Elias Church, Aquinas Fest and many more. She sang in the St. James Church choir, was on the parish council and received numerous awards for her time and dedication to the parish. Anonymously, she would pay the tuition for children, even through college, who could not afford to attend parochial schools.

For every bake sale, school or church fundraiser or neighborhood project, Elaine was ready with her time and checkbook and to lend a hand when needed. One year she even won the car at Aquinas fest.

She traveled extensively, both in the United States and abroad, always bringing back treasures from her travels. Her favorite holiday was Christmas; and, for more than 60 years, she hosted the annual family Christmas Eve Celebration. For 45 years she worked for the State of Wisconsin as an administrative assistant with the Probation and Parole Department. Always warning her nieces and nephews, she would know if they got into any trouble and they would have to deal with her.

She was quick with a laugh, generous, kind and, yes, even a “little” stubborn and opinionated. She would freely share her thoughts on any issue, even if you did not ask her. She voted in every election and had no problem sharing her views with candidates that came to her door.

She is survived by well over 100 nieces and nephews in addition to cousins and friends.

Elaine is preceded in death by her parents, two sisters: Josephine (Shaker) Nimer and Sister Marie Addis FSPA, five brothers: Michael (Lila) Addis, Fred (Agnes) Addis, Joseph (Doreen) Addis, Philip (Alice) Addis and Ford (Terese) Addis, and her Aunt Gantoosie “Mary” Addis.

A funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 AM Monday, October 19, 2015, in St. James Catholic Church, 1032 Caledonia St., La Crosse, Wis. Msgr. Charles Stoetzel will officiate with burial to be held in the Catholic Cemetery, La Crosse, Wis. Family and friends may visit from 9:30 AM until the time of Mass in the Church on Monday.

Memorials are preferred to Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration Chapel (FSPA), the Mary of the Angels Chapel and the Adoration Chapel for Masses to be held.