Death of Lillie Elaine Chaudoir

Lillie “Elaine” Chaudoir, 90, of Berrien Springs passed away at 3:05 a.m. Monday, Dec. 6, 2021, at Woodland Terrace in Bridgman.

Elaine was born Jan. 20, 1931, in Chicago, Illinois, to Enoch and Lillie (Tolf) Erlandson. She graduated from Berrien Springs Public Schools in 1949. She attended a business school for a brief period after graduation, then began working as a clerk at Schug Drug Store, primarily at the soda fountain. It was there that she met the man who became the love of her life and future husband of 53 years.

Elaine devoted her entire adult life to her family and helping others in any way she could. She became a volunteer and charter member of the auxiliary at Berrien General Hospital in Berrien Center, beginning in 1964. Over the next 45 years, she volunteered more than 29,000 hours. The volunteer program continues to operate in all of Spectrum Lakeland Health System hospitals in Southwest Michigan. Elaine was active in regional and state hospital auxiliary associations, eventually becoming the President of MI Association of Hospital Auxiliaries (MAHA). She also served on the Michigan Association of Healthcare Advocates for six years, serving as president during that time.

Elaine began her volunteer work in 1958 as a charter member of Berrien Springs Civic League. At the club’s 50th anniversary, she was named Exemplary Woman and Citizen of Berrien Springs.

She was the chairperson of Miss Berrien Springs pageant, Cub Scout den mother, served on school millage committees, served as member and President Pro-Tem of Village of Berrien Springs Council from 1979–1999. Elaine also served on the Berrien Springs Area Endowment Council. She was the recipient of the Margaret B. Upton Volunteer Leadership Award through Blossomland United Way, Berrien Community Foundation Acorn Award, Martin Luther King Legacy of Freedom Award from Andrews University, and 45-year service award from Lakeland Healthcare System, Lion’s Club Citizen of the Year in 1982, and served as a trustee on the 1839 Courthouse Museum Board.

Elaine always spent quality time with her children and grandchildren. She made many lunches for the picnics grandma and grandpa had with their grandchildren. She encouraged them to play the piano and helped ensure they got to their lessons. Elaine joined the United Methodist Church in Berrien Springs many years ago and has served as chair of finance and trustee committees, a pianist, regularly playing hymn duets with her dear friend Prudence Cashbaugh. Elaine loved the fellowship and worship, also spending countless hours taking care of day-to-day details for the church. Elaine was ready to take on projects and would step in to help anyone who needed help. She was a wonderful and loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. The Berrien Springs community is better because of Elaine’s devotion and volunteerism.

On Aug. 8, 1953, Elaine married Richard Chaudoir, who preceded her in death in January 2007.

She is survived by one son, Stephen (Jan) of Berrien Springs; four grandchildren: David Chaudoir of Granger, Indiana; Sarah (Travis) Alden of Middleville, Michigan; Laura (Ryan) Streelman of St. Joseph; and Stephanie (Nicholas) Jablonowski of Ludington, Michigan; three grandsons-in-law; and six great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband and her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Donald; a brother-in-law, Roderick Chaudoir; and a sister-in-law, Mary Ann Shatusky.

Funeral services will be at the United Methodist Church in Berrien Springs on Saturday, Dec. 11, at 11 a.m. A private burial service will take place at Rose Hill Cemetery. The family will receive relatives and friends from 6–8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 10, at the Allred Funeral Home in Berrien Springs. Messages for the family may be added online at allredfuneralhome.com.

Memorials may be made to United Methodist Church, 310 W. Mars Street, Berrien Springs MI 49103 or the Berrien Community Foundation with "Berrien Springs Area Endowment" written in the memo line, 2900 S. State Street, Ste. 2E, St. Joseph MI 49085.