Elaine Joyce Male, née Baprawski, age 78, passed away on December 10, 2023.

Elaine was born on August 8, 1945, in Detroit, Michigan, to Charlotte and Edmund Baprawski. She spent her early years in Detroit before her family purchased a resort in Brighton, Michigan where she resided until she was a young adult. Her formative years were filled with dance, scouting, being active in various high school clubs and she even did some modeling. Because Elaine's childhood was spent between two lakes, her beloved brother, Ed, helped her foster a love of swimming, fishing, boating, and water skiing. She was what some people called “a fish out of water.”

Elaine had a passion for the arts at an early age, excelling in ballet and tap dancing. At age 15, her talent led to a captivating appearance on a local tv show. This marked the beginning of a journey that showcased Elaine's love for the arts throughout her life.

A proud graduate of Brighton High School in 1963, Elaine pursued further education at business school, Cleary College which led to various secretarial and administrative positions.

Elaine's life took a beautiful turn when she met Leonard Male, the love of her life, at a bowling alley in Brighton. They hit it off immediately and were married a short while later on May 4, 1968. The amazing love that they vowed to one another carried them through their entire lives.

Leonard and Elaine started their married life in Brighton, enjoying mutual interests in nature, travel, and being outdoors, before their journey took them to Illinois. While there, they built their life together in Buffalo Grove where they welcomed their one and only “miracle baby” Melinda, in 1978. Elaine always said that her biggest and best accomplishment was becoming a mother.

In 1990, the Males returned to Michigan, settling in Plymouth, where Elaine's love for crafting, homemaking, and photography continued to shine. She would never be without her “point and shoot” camera, capturing countless memories of everyone and everything. Her passion instilled a love of photography in her daughter, Melinda, inspiring her to become a professional photographer. Elaine's joy in being a mother, her culinary talents, especially her annual fruit cake that she was always so proud of, and her festive spirit during the Christmas season will forever be etched in the hearts of her family.

Elaine's dedication to her family was evident in the care she took as homemaker and part-time worker, creating a nurturing environment filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. Her warmth, kindness, and love for life have left an enduring impact on her family and all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her. Her art-loving spirit - and beautiful blue eyes - will live on through Melinda.

Elaine was the beloved wife of the late Leonard. Loving mother of Melinda (Doug) Oswandel. Dearest sister of Edmund John (Linda) Baprawski, Jr. Proud aunt of Deborah and Gregory (Kimberly) Baprawski.

Memorial visitation for Elaine will be held on Friday, January 5th, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at McCabe Funeral Home, 851 N. Canton Center Rd., Canton. Her Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 6th, at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial donations in Elaine's name may be directed to Alzheimer's Association, 25200 Telegraph Rd., Suite 100, Southfield, MI 48033 or NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 4301 Wilson Blvd., Suite 300, Arlington, VA 22203.