In Loving Memory of Elaine Mashnouk McDermott

Elaine Mary McDermott (née Mashnouk), beloved wife of the late James T. McDermott, passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of 89, surrounded by the love and presence of her five children.

Born on July 30, 1937, in Brooklyn, New York, Elaine was a bright and dedicated student whose love of learning stayed with her throughout her life.

Elaine met the love of her life, James, at a church dance. They married on August 24, 1957, and were blessed with six children. Together, they moved from New York to Michigan, where they built a home and raised their family.

Family was always at the center of Elaine’s life. Although she made her home in Michigan, she remained deeply connected to her loved ones in New York through many years of visits, laughter, and treasured time together.

Elaine found joy in life’s simple pleasures—playing cards, swimming, spending time with the people she loved, and cheering on her beloved Detroit Tigers.

Elaine was devoted to improving the lives of those in need, especially older adults. As a member of Citizens for Better Care, she advocated for people in care facilities to be treated with the same respect and dignity as those able to remain in their homes. She also volunteered at Providence Hospital and at Holy Family Church’s clothes closet, which provides new and gently used clothing for those in need.

After witnessing poor conditions at a local nursing home, Elaine felt called to make a difference. She returned to college and earned a degree in gerontology from Madonna University in 1983. She later became the administrator of a Detroit Diocese senior living home, Marian Oakland West, dedicating her career to caring for and advocating for older adults.

Elaine was preceded in death by her beloved son Thomas; her husband, James; her son-in-law, Kevin Cook; her parents, Alfred and Mary Mashnouk; her brother, Alfred; and many dear brothers- and sisters-in-law.

She is lovingly remembered by her children, John, Joan Cook, Bill, Mary (Donny) Charter, and Paul; her grandchildren, Sean (Joanna), Ryan, Erin (Daniel) Lozano, Danielle (Nick) Credit, and Megan (Dustin) Walling; seven great-grandchildren; and many cherished nieces and nephews.

Elaine’s greatest legacy is the family she held together with her love, strength, and unwavering devotion.

Her long and beautiful life was filled with family, meaningful accomplishments, and countless memories. Her story will continue to live on in the hearts of everyone who knew and loved her.

We will remember Elaine for her deep faith, her devotion to family, her lifelong love of learning, her enjoyment of a good card game, and the lasting bonds she kept with the people and places she cherished.

Though she is no longer with us, Elaine’s love lives on in family traditions, familiar stories, shared laughter, and memories that will be passed down through generations.

Elaine, thank you for the family you built, the loving example you set, and the many memories you gave us. You will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

May you rest peacefully, reunited with those who went before you. Your life was truly a gift, and the love and legacy you leave behind will endure for generations to come.

Elaine’s family extends heartfelt thanks to her devoted caregivers over the past five years—Lynda, Carla, Erda, Denise, and Darlene—and to the compassionate Devotion Hospice nurses who cared for her during her final month.

We love you, Mom, Grandma, GiGi!

Service Information

Visitation: Sunday, October 25, 2026, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at O’Brien Sullivan Funeral Home, 41555 Grand River Avenue, Novi, MI 48375.

Rosary: 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home, on October 25, 2026.

Funeral Mass: Monday, October 26, 2026 beginning at 10:00 am at Transfiguration Church, 25225 Code Road, Southfield, MI 48033.

Memorial Donations

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to:

· Marian Oakland West (Please be sure to select Marian Oakland from the dropdown menu, when making a donation)

· American Cancer Society

· ALS Foundation