Marilyn “Todie” Elsea, nee Watson, 87, of Belleville, Illinois, born October 14, 1931, in East St. Louis, IL, passed away Wednesday, May 1, 2019, at Memorial Hospital in Belleville, Illinois.
Marilyn was a founding member of the “Get Together Club,” which consisted of 14 friends from East Side High School that met once a month to share a sisterhood of camaraderie for over 67 years straight.
While raising her children and selling real estate part time, Marilyn devoted herself to set building and designs for countless Signal Hill Grade School plays as well as several Community Theater Group performances.
After sending her kids into the world, Marilyn owned and operated Todie’s Lilly Pad Flower Shop for many years, which allowed her creative side to invent the patented “Todie’s Table Clip” and “Todie’s Bouquet Holder.” In 1991, these designs received the FTD Most Innovative Design Award and were featured in Flower Magazine.
Marilyn became an active member of First United Presbyterian Church in 1945. She was devoted to the Worship Committee throughout the years and served as self-appointed Design Director for all church holiday decorating and beautification enhancements until they hid the ladder from her at the age of 80.
Preceded in death by her:
- Mother: Katherine D. Watson
- Father: Rolla Watson
- Brother in Law: Ralph Elsea
- Sister in Law: Annah Mae Banes
Surviving are her:
- Husband of 60 years: Paul Elsea
- Children
- Kathie (Marcel Godau) Erichsen of Hamburg, Germany
- Thomas R. Elsea of Denver, Colorado
- Kristie (Scott) Ward of Swansea, Illinois
- Grandchildren
- Kevin Ward (Lizzie Jenkins, fiancee)
- Lainie Ward
- Elizabeth Ward
- Devoted rescue dog: Ava
- Special nephew: Larry Elsea
- Nieces: Diane, Debbie, Penny and Cindy
- Honorary grandmother and mother to:
- Michelle Ward
- Anne Koleson
Memorials: Memorials may be made to the First United Presbyterian Church or Belleville Area Humane Society.
Visitation: Visitation from 9:00 am – 11:00 am, Monday, May 6, 2019, at First United Presbyterian Church in Belleville, Illinois
Funeral: Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 am, Monday, May 6, 2019, at First United Presbyterian Church Chapel, with Pastor Rob Dyer officiating. Interment will follow at Valhalla Gardens of Memory, Belleville, Illinois.
4 Comments To "Marilyn “Todie” Elsea"
#1 Comment By Marilyn Linton On May 3, 2019 @ 2:09 pm
To Paul and family, pleas accept my condolences on the death of Todie. I worked along side of her many years, during the church Bazaars, etc. and shared many laughs. She certainly will be missed by many people.
#2 Comment By Jackie Bainter On May 3, 2019 @ 2:57 pm
I loved going with Todie to the flower market. She always knew what she wanted and where to find the bargains.
#3 Comment By Sherri Gericke On May 3, 2019 @ 4:41 pm
To Mr.Elsea and family, my deepest sympathy from the Hull family. Marilyn was a great neighbor and friend for my parents. I enjoyed seeing her at church and WolfBranch activities. Always friendly and smiling! She will be missed!
Sherri Hull Gericke
#4 Comment By Jan Massarella On May 13, 2019 @ 12:15 pm
Kristie, Greg and I are very sorry for your loss. It’s never easy to lose a loved one, we’re sure you have many wonderful memories of your mom to keep her spirit alive. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
With love,
Jan and Greg Massarella