Elsie Donovan

Elsie J. Helgert Donovan, died Friday, May 4, 2007 at Waukesha Memorial Hospital. She was born on November 1, 1924 in Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin to Bennie N. and Annette ( nee: Thompson) Olsen. Elsie was a graduate of University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and she did graduate work at University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. She taught school in Sussex, Muskego, Greenfield, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands and Kewaunee. Since retirement, she has volunteered for the Waukesha County Museum doing historical puppet shows, quilt making and historical characterizations. She was a volunteer through the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of Waukesha County, Inc. She was a coordinator for the Intergenerational Folk Art Fairs at the schools in Waukesha County. She was a member of the Waukesha County Retired Educators Association, Wisconsin Educators Association-Retired; National Educators Association-Retired; Puppeteers of America, Inc; Wisconsin Puppetry Guild and the Retired Senior and Senior Volunteer Program of Waukesha County, Inc. She is survived by her sons Edward J. (Sue) Helgert Jr. of Mukwonago, Robert J. (friend Tami Johnson) Helgert of Amherst and Mark J. (Gwenda) Helgert of Waukesha. Grandsons Erik (Laura) of West Allis, David (Samantha) of the Town of Vernon, Matthew (Nikki) Helgert of Genesee Depot and great-grandchildren Zackery, Alexis, Gage and Ricky. Further survived by her brother Ronald (Erma) Olsen of Sun City, California; Clarence (the late Helen) Olsen of Green Cove Springs, Florida, sister-in-law Patricia Olsen of Davis, California, special long time friends Esther Burke of Kewaunee, Dolores Wrzesinski of Muskego and Dona Lundin of Waukesha, many nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives also survive. A celebration of Elsie's life will be held on Saturday, May 19, 2007 from 11:30 A.M. until 3:00 P.M. at Summit Woods, 2105 Summit Avenue, Waukesha. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Waukesha Memorial Cancer Center 721 American Avenue Waukesha, WI 53188, Stillwaters Cancer Support 434 Madison Street Waukesha, Wisconsin 53188, or any musical group in Waukesha are suggested. The family would like to thank the many friends, health care professionals and doctors (especially Dr. Timothy McAvoy) who have been a part of Elsie's life. For additional information or directions please call Randle-Dable Funeral, Cremation & Preplanning Services at 262-547-4035. To leave an online tribute message for the family please visit www.waukeshafunerals.com