Obituaries

of Jackson, MI, formerly of Chelsea, MI, age 91, died Thursday, January 13, 2022 at Legacy Assisted Living. She was born December 14, 1930 in Sylvan Township, Michigan, the daughter of Herman C. & Clara E. (Wellhoff) Eisele.

Erma and Norm lived at North Lake for 46 years, where they loved entertaining. She served on the Board of Park Lawn Beach at North Lake for many years. She was a life member of Inverness Country Club, and she worked at the Dexter Township elections for many years. In her later years, she lived at the Pines in Chelsea. Erma was a life-long member of St. Paul United Church of Christ, where she served as director of Christian Education for over 40 years. . She volunteered at Faith in Action for 23 years, and was recognized as Co-Volunteer of the Year in 2004. In her younger years, she was a Para-pro in the Special Education program at Chelsea Public Schools.

Erma's family would like to thank Legacy Assisted Living and SouthernCare Hospice for their compassionate care at the end of her life.

In 1962, she married Leo Borders, a Washtenaw County Deputy Sheriff who was killed in the line of duty in 1966. In 1968, she married Norman O'Connor, and he preceded her in death in 2011.  Survivors include her daughters, Sara (Tom) Cartwright of North Muskegon, Dawn (Dan) Borders - Schulze of Waterloo, Peggy (Dan) Nutt of Grass Lake, Carolyn (Rick) Pichea of Jackson, Judy (Steve) Shepherd of Grass Lake; 11 grandchildren, Justin (Linze), Kaylie, Andi, Erika (Steve), Danielle (Andrew), David (Shelly), Daniel (Brandy), Jason (Ashley), Holly (Daniel), Lisa (Ryan),Steven; many great and great-great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Shelia (Byron) Gay; a brother-in-law, Eilta (Deb) Borders Jr.; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her two husbands, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Elenor Klink & Eileen Zaszczurynski.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 22, 11:00 am at St. Paul United Church of Christ in Chelsea, with Rev. Dr. Barbara Edema officiating. The family will receive friends at Cole Funeral Chapel Friday, Jan 21, from 5-7 pm and at the church Saturday from 10-11 am.  Burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery in Chelsea. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul United Church of Christ, 14600 E Old US Highway 12, Chelsea, MI 48118 or Faith In Action, 603 S Main St, Chelsea, MI 48118.

Click here to watch the recording of Erma's service

 


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