Elisabeth R. Heikel
Elisabeth Rosa Heikel, 91, formerly of Leland, Michigan, died peacefully on February 26, 2021, at the South Shore Hospital in Weymouth, Massachusetts.
Elisabeth was born in Logstor, Denmark on February 22, 1930, to Christian and Mathilde (Madsen) Nielsen. Elisabeth’s brother, Eigil Nielsen preceded her in death in 2014. Elisabeth worked as an executive secretary in Copenhagen for Dow Chemical Company when she met Henrik Heikel. On March 19, 1965 she married Henrik who was working in the Netherlands at the time for Dow and had three young children.
Elisabeth and Henrik raised their children moving from Holland, briefly to California and then to Midland, Michigan, where Henrik worked as a research chemist for twenty years before they built their retirement home in Leland and moved in 1986. There they quickly became active members of the community they loved so much. They enjoyed an active social life among wonderful neighbors and friends and were active members of the Leland Community United Methodist Church. Elisabeth continued to live in Leland, after Henrik’s death in 1997, for another 22 years. Because of health concerns, she moved to an assisted living apartment in Braintree, Massachusetts to be closer to her stepchildren. Being especially nearby, Laura was able to spend much time with her.
Elisabeth is survived by stepchildren children Hans (Kathy) Heikel of Burlington, Vermont; Martin (Sandra) Heikel of Mt. Kisco, New York; Laura (Frank) Spaziani of Hingham, Massachusetts; grandchildren Erik and Christopher Heikel; Joseph, Andrew, and Avery Spaziani; and great grandchildren Norah Heikel and Natalie Heikel. Grandson Matthew Heikel preceded her in death in 1993.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Elisabeth’s memory to the Silver Muzzle Cottage, a rescue and hospice for homeless senior dogs – 3785 Rice Rd. NW, Rapid City, MI 49676; phone: 231-264-8408
Arrangements for a small graveside service in Leland will be made when the pandemic ends. If you have any inquires for the family please email Hans, Martin, or Laura at mhkisco@gmail.com
Share
Let the family know you care by sharing this tribute.
Elisabeth was an important part of my life for many years and I will always smile when I think of the memories we shared. I will miss her dearly but am extremely grateful to have Hans, Martin, Laura and their families continue to be in my life. My thoughts are with them…
Laura so sorry
Glad you were able to be there for your Mom when she needed you most
Think of you often ..hard to believe the kids are all grown up
We send our love and condolences to the whole family.
We had the pleasure of spending Christmas Eve with Elizabeth, Martin and Sandra two years ago. She was a true delight. Condolences to the family.
Elisabeth was such a lovely woman and was always full of questions to show how interested she was in knowing more about you. I fondly remember spending Christmas Eve in her company a few years ago. She had been reluctant to come but she made the evening so enjoyable for all of us and she was happy that she decided to join us. Martin, Laura and Henrik, our condolences to you and your families.