Elsie Mae Schroder

DEARBORN HEIGHTS — Elsie Mae (Groop) Schroder died peacefully, after a 4-year battle with cancer at her home, on June 28, 2020, at the age of 75.

Elsie is survived by her sister and brotherin-law, Mary Jane and Ted Ridolphi of Iron River; daughters, Michelle Schroder of Dearborn Heights and Kristina (Mike) Tiritilli of Hawthorn Woods, Ill.; grandchildren, Brendan Schroder, Dearborn Heights, Anthony and Mia Tiritilli, Hawthorn Woods; many nieces, nephews, cousins, as well as many great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne Schroder; her parents, William and Olga Groop; brothers, Steven Bicigo, William Groop and Michael Groop; and sister, Anne Luckow.

Elsie Schroder was born on Oct. 24, 1944, in Crystal Falls to William and Olga Groop. She was child number five of six. She moved to Iron River when she was in the third/fourth grade. She graduated from Iron River High School in 1963. She married Wayne Schroder in 1970.

Her children remember her as a strong-willed, independent mother who encouraged them to pursue their goals. Elsie loved to play bingo and her 1-cent slots at the casino. She especially loved when she could make the pilgrimage to Las Vegas for the real gambling experience.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Aug. 1 at Risen Christ Lutheran Church in Plymouth; details to come. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Elsie’s life while adhering to COVID - CDC guidelines to make sure all are safe.

In lieu of fl owers, please send donations to Game on Cancer at Henry Ford Cancer Institute at One Ford Place, Suite 5A, Detroit, MI 48202 or go to the following link to donate directly, https://secure3.convio.net/hfordh/site/Donation2;jsessionid=00000000.app30108b?idb=1871904786&df_id=2841&FR_ID=1120&mfc_pref=T&PROXY_ID=1120&2841.donation=form1&PROXY_TYPE=21&NONCE_TOKEN=BAA272599546C424646E4359FB81C62F.

The family would like to thank Dr. Joseph Won, Henry Ford Hospital Hospice team, facilities and staff for their efforts, care and dedication.