Shiawassee Community Foundation

10/14/2026

So sorry for your loss. Pat was truly a servant leader!

Patricia Ann Elliott Obituary

Patricia Ann Elliott, age 86, of Owosso, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 10, 2026 surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Flint, Michigan, to Clifford and Irene (Gatschene) Goodrow, Patricia was a proud graduate of Holy Redeemer High School. She followed her calling to care for others at St. Joe's Nursing School in Flint, where she earned her nursing degree. On September 26, 1959, she married the love of her life, Michael Jay Elliott, at Holy Redeemer; they shared 60 years of marriage until his passing in 2019.

Patricia balanced a career in nursing with the joyful work of raising four sons. Even in retirement, her "nurse’s heart" never rested. For 42 years she was a tireless volunteer for Respite, Hospice, and Memorial Healthcare Center. Her hands were always busy helping others, whether through Habitat for Humanity, church activities, or membership in Daughters of Isabella.

She is survived by her four sons, Richard (Barb) Elliott, Robert (Heather) Elliott, James Elliott, and David (Lori) Elliott; her beloved eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; Sister Rose Edward (Goodrow) CSC; and a large circle of loving family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Michael, her parents, and her sister Barbara (Arthur) Huff.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 16, 2026, at Holy Family Catholic Church with Fr. Anthony Brooks officiating. The family will receive friends at Nelson-House Funeral Home on Thursday, October 15, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A rosary will be prayed at 7 pm.

In Lieu of flowers memorial contributions are suggested to Hospice or Respite.

10/13/2026

It was a very informative first day at the Council of Michigan Foundations conference. My first session discussed philanthropy’s role in reshaping rural food access and the afternoon session guided us through impact assessment for Foundations. Our final evening speaker was so interesting! Katharine Hayhoe, chief scientist for The Nature Conservancy. She spoke about “Caring for what we love: The case for investing in nature, health and hope. Our planet is the only one we can survive on so why aren’t we taking care of it? If we are all gone, earth, its plants and animals, would survive and do fine without us. If we continue to change earths natural resources and everything dies, we could no longer survive on the earth that we love. Check out Dr Hayhoe’s book, “Saving Us. A climate scientists case for Hope and Healing in a divided world”. It’s worth reading!

10/12/2026

🎓Remember someone who helped open a door for you? You can do the same for a local student.

Behind every scholarship application is a student with a unique story, big goals, and the determination to build a bright future.

We're looking for community volunteers to help review scholarship applications for the 2026-2027 cycle. Our reviewers help identify more than academic achievement: they recognize perseverance, leadership, community involvement, and potential.

The process is simple, training is provided, and reviews can be completed from home.

You don't need to be an educator. We welcome volunteers with diverse experiences and perspectives!

If you'd like to support the next generation of local leaders, we'd love to hear from you.
(989) 725-1093
[email protected]

10/07/2026

Shiawassee Community Foundation is proud to announce the establishment of the Marcia L. Bird Memorial Fund, a new charitable agency fund dedicated to supporting youth in the Shiawassee County area.

In 2025, Marcia accepted the Advisor position for the Shiawassee Youth Advisory Council (YAC). YAC is a subcommittee of Shiawassee Community Foundation which empowers area youth and provides them with opportunities to serve their local communities through volunteering and philanthropy.

Her wealth of experience and community involvement was the perfect fit for YAC – under her leadership, membership rose and student participation improved. Recent projects, spearheaded by the students and encouraged by Marcia, include grants that provide food and personal care products to children in need, an indoor play area at SafeCenter, summer camp scholarships at the Lebowsky Center, a portable AED for Camp Shiawassee (YMCA), and pottery classes for local art students.

To honor Marcia’s life and legacy of community service, donations can be made to the Marcia L. Bird Memorial Fund on our website (the link is in the comments). Your contribution will ensure that Marcia’s vital work continues, supporting future generations of Shiawassee County area youth.

For more information, please call our office or email Rashelle. (989) 725-1093, [email protected]

Photo: Marcia L. Bird, courtesy of the Bird family

10/06/2026

What legacy will you leave behind?

At the Shiawassee Community Foundation, our Legacy Society members create a lasting impact on the future of Shiawassee County – ensuring their values, hopes, and care for others live on for generations.

Whether your passion is education, youth programs, the arts, or another community need, a planned gift can become a permanent source of support for your community.

Interested in learning more about leaving a lasting gift through your estate plan? Contact Kim for more information: (989) 725-1093

10/01/2026

Scholarship season is almost here! Start requesting letters of recommendation, gather your transcripts, and make a list of your extracurriculars.

Tag a student, parent, teacher, or school counselor who should know applications open on November 1st! 🎓

09/15/2026

🏰 For more than a century, Curwood Castle has been part of Owosso's story.

Today, we're celebrating the fourth anniversary of the Owosso Historical Commission Fund, which supports efforts to preserve local history and share it with future generations.

Whether through tours of Curwood Castle, educational opportunities for students, or events like this weekend's Historic Home Tour, the Historical Commission helps ensure Owosso's past remains an important part of its future.

The Shiawassee Community Foundation is proud to support this work and the preservation of one of our community's most treasured landmarks.

If you've ever toured Curwood Castle, comment below and tell us what stood out most!

Photo: Curwood Castle - Owosso Historical Commission