It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Elaine Jeanette Walko, 83, who

passed away on October 23, 2026, in Novi, Michigan. Born on February 28, 1943, in Detroit,

Michigan, to Stella and Edward Rogala, Elaine lived a life rooted in faith, love, and devotion to

her family.

     Elaine attended St. Gabriel Catholic High School in Detroit and worked as a

housekeeping manager at the Holiday Inn for 15 years. She and her first husband, Donald

Welch, shared four children. Being a mother and grandmother to eight, and a great-grandmother

to three, brought her immense joy and pride. A devoted Catholic, Elaine’s faith in Jesus Christ

guided her throughout her life. She loved attending and being involved at Holy Family Church,

especially through the Alpha group, where she found friendships and a deep sense of purpose.

Her familiar words, “Give it to God,” reflected the faith she carried and shared with those around

her.

     Elaine treasured time with her family and friends. She loved playing cards with her

husband, Ray Walko, and their friends, and visiting the casino with Ray and her brother Dennis.

She enjoyed shopping, cooking, and keeping her home clean and welcoming. She loved

watching movies, shows, and YouTube videos. She also loved traveling, taking adventures, and

participating in bowling and golf leagues. Her sense of humor shone through in another favorite

saying: “It was on sale!”

     Her caring spirit extended beyond her family. Alongside her friends, Elaine collected

flowers from Trader Joe’s and delivered them to hospitals and fire and police stations, sharing

beauty and kindness with others.

Loving, resilient, beautiful, and wonderfully funny, Elaine was an extraordinary mother

and grandmother and a cherished friend. She had a gift for making people feel deeply cared for,

and her warmth, laughter, and generosity will be truly missed.

Elaine is survived by her daughter, Donna Stein (Aaron); her sons, Scott Welch (Lesley)

and Donald Welch (Lisa); her brother, Dennis Rogala (Sandra); her eight grandchildren,

Marissa, Hunter, Madison, Nicholas, Megan, Samantha, Dillon, and Ashley; and her three

great-grandchildren, Joseph, Harper, and Harrison.

She was predeceased in death by her husband, Ray Walko; her beloved son, Shayne

Welch; her parents, Stella and Edward Rogala; and her siblings, Edward, Sharon, and Shirley.

     Visitation will be held on Friday, November 6, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at O’Brien

Sullivan Funeral Home. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at

11:30 a.m. at Holy Family Church with visitation from 11 am until time of mass. A luncheon will follow at 

Big Tommy’s Parthenon for close friends and relatives.

    Elaine’s love and memory will live on through her faith in Jesus Christ, the family she

treasured, the friendships she nurtured, and the many lives she touched