Elisa Oliver
January 19, 1958 – June 17, 2021
A service in witness to Elisa’s life and faith will be held on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 321 W. South St. Kalamazoo, with her pastor the Rev. Dr. Seth E. Weeldreyer officiating. The family will receive friends beginning at 1:30 p.m. and following the service. Elisa will be laid to rest at Laketon Twp. Cemetery, Muskegon. Memorial contributions may be made to ALS Association Michigan Chapter, c/o of the funeral home.
Obituary
Age 63, passed away early Thursday morning, June 17, 2021. Elisa was born on January 19, 1958, in Dearborn, MI, the daughter of Franklin H. and Kay Helen (Bach) Coward. In September of 1976, she met Craig Oliver, who she married on July 10, 1982. Elisa graduated from Adrian College with Bachelor of Science degree and went to Grand Valley State University for her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. For many years she was at ProMed Pediatrics, and she enjoyed working with children. Later she was the nurse at the Kalamazoo County Health Department and then at the Kalamazoo County Juvenile Home. She was the band nurse from 2001-2018 for Portage Central Bands. She was a certified trainer for Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). Throughout her life she was deeply involved in her children’s lives, volunteering in numerous ways in their schools. She was a loving wife and was the best possible partner a man could have. She was a caring and loving person with everyone she came in contact with, treating everyone with dignity and respect. Besides her husband, Elisa is survived by her children, Neal (Emily Wiemer) Oliver of Fairfax, CA, and Kelsey (Curtis) Sanford Jr. of Portage; siblings, Linda Partridge, David (Regina Wagner) Coward, Jason (Debbie) Coward, Brian (Shannon) Coward; several nieces, nephews and cousins; and countless friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Susan Coward Drapeau.
Craig, Kelsey & Family; I had the blessing and pleasure of knowing and being a “band mom” alongside Mrs. Oliver from 2004-2007. Her caring, compassion and love for all was unsurpassed. This shone thru in her family, her children and anyone who knew her. Wishing you all peace and comfort during this difficult time.
I am greatly saddened by your loss. You were a very fortunate family to have such an amazing person in your lives. I hope memories will ease some of your pain. I sincerely enjoyed working with Lisa at Kalamazoo County. She had a positive attitude at every turn. Hold on to those memories and each other.
Aunt Lisa was so kind and wise and thoughtful. Whenever we talked she shared warmth and love even though we saw each other once a year. She was the easiest to talk to and had such a great sense of humor. We will miss her so much. I wish Grace and peace for the family in this hard time. Kelly and Justin
The oliver family my prayers and thoughts are with you. She is in gods arms and she is happy and watching over you. It was my pleasure to know you and your beautiful family and thank you for The fat Tuesday you gave us I will always remember that. Iove Gracie and Frankie Saldivar
My deepest sympathy to the Oliver family. I knew Lisa through Harriet Oliver, and Lisa was the daughter Harriet never had. Lisa’s loving care meant the world to your mom and grandma. May Elisa rest in peace and be forever present in your memory and hearts Chris Mc Arthur