Elaine J. Malburg

Elaine Jane Malburg, nee Wolf (Ej) was gifted to us on December 8, 1959, in Shelby Township, Michigan, born to Reynold and Ethel Wolf. Elaine is survived by her husband of 37 years, Thomas Malburg, beloved sons Timothy (Kylie) Malburg, Cory (Katelyn) Malburg, Robert ‘Bobby’ Malburg, step-daughter Shawn (Patrick) Malburg-Dunn, and her dearly adored three grandchildren: Cameron ‘Cam’ (6), Miles (5), and Colson (1). Cherished sister to Donna (Ronald) Sanner, Diane (Dick) Debbs, Barbara ‘Barbie’ (Paul) Thomas, Dennis ‘Denny’ Wolf and Cheryl ‘Sherri‘ (John) Hautala. Treasured sister-in-law to Ronald (Ann) Malburg, Kenneth (Amy) Malburg, Elaine Malburg, Jim Ledwidge, Clifford Malburg, Terry (Luanne) Malburg, Randy Malburg (Carol) and Renee (Jeff) Shull. During her lifetime, Elaine was dearly loved by many nieces, nephews and dear friends! Elaine is predeceased in death by her parents, brother and sister-in-law Kenneth ‘Kenny’ and Mary Wolf, father and mother-in-law Wilfred and Gladys Malburg, brother-in-law Gerald Malburg and sister -in-law Kathleen Malburg. Elaine grew up in a loving home on Helene Avenue where she was affectionately referred to as ‘Lainey’ by her siblings. She graduated from Eisenhower High School in Shelby Township, MI., and was a strikingly beautiful young lady with long brown hair that flowed down to at least hip length. She would share that the polite social excuse of, ’Its Saturday night, I have to wash my hair’, was actually a reality for her, along with her use of Dippity-Do! After graduation Elaine would begin her employment years at Ford Motor Company where she would utilize and further develop her talent as a gifted seamstress sewing auto interiors, and saving enough money to purchase her famed Camaro and 8-track tape players! Elaine and Tom married on January 30, 1988 and together they enjoyed traveling with friends to the US Virgin Islands, weekend golf trips, bowling leagues and family gatherings, however as time passed Elaine’s true calling in life would appear, and that calling was the role of mother. She was innately born with qualities and instincts that made her naturally suited to motherhood. With her strong, inherent maternal drive, she embodied all the beautiful qualities of nurturing, caregiving, and selflessness in relation to her children, and it is within these qualities where she found a deep sense of fulfillment. And although being a mother of three young boys kept her on the edge of her seat as each snake, BB gun and new dirt bike arrived, she always remained one step ahead and was always unwavering in her love and support. Elaine was ever present for every T-ball game, pinewood derby, classroom party or football game, and was always readily available for a tender hug or the wiping away of a tear. Elaine devoted her whole life and her whole self entirely to raising her three cherished boys. As her loved ones have stated, being a mother was, ‘Her Superpower!’ Elaine not only devoted her time to her children, she also devoted over 20 years of distinguished service at Krause Elementary School, part of the Armada Area Schools district where she held the position of secretary, and on December 19, 2025 was recognized for her service and retirement. Elaine was proud and dedicated to be of service to the students at Krause Elementary and to assist in supporting Krause Elementary’s Mission of establishing high standards, and to support learning for all in a caring environment, serving students in Pre-K through 5th grade. Elaine’s life has been one guided by heartfelt love, the same heartfelt love that she grew up with. Her house was a home that all were welcome in and anybody who entered was treated as one of her own. There was always a seat for you at the kitchen table, and before you could sit down she was likely to already be setting out snacks from the pantry, or warming a meal from the fridge. Her heart was full when her house was filled with family and friends, and especially when it was filled with her grandchildren! She relished being Gammy to Cam, Miles and Colson, always looking forward to their visits and overnight sleepovers, preparing arts and crafts together, sewing keepsake quilts for them, greeting them in the hallway at school, trips to the Dollar Store, sharing laughter and cuddles, and wrapping their Christmas presents with homemade bows. She touched countless lives with her love, kindness and generosity, and is who made the ordinary moments, now into precious memories. She will be deeply missed by all, and although her loved ones hearts are heavy, the love she gave will live on, as Elaine herself has said, ‘Love Never Dies.’ Family and friends will gather to celebrate Elaine's life with a visitation and service at the Wm Sullivan & Son Funeral Home 8459 Hall Road (3 Blks E. of Van Dyke) Utica, on Tuesday, December 30, 2025 from 2-8pm with a funeral service on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at 10am.

Elaine J. Malburg

December 8, 1959 - December 25, 2025