Elsie P. (McFee) Paas, 96, was born Nov. 16, 1912, in Carman, Manitoba.

Her family immigrated to the United States to Creston, Iowa, and settled in Dowagiac.

Elsie’s work career spanned 47 years. She started her career as a school teacher in a one-room schoolhouse near Cassopolis.

One of her students in this small one-room schoolhouse, was Capt. Iven Carl Kincheloe, often known as the first man in space.

After several years of teaching she started a career in social work starting in Cassopolis, near her home of Dowagiac.

She met and married Richard A. Paas in 1949 and moved to Saginaw.

She was hired to manage the Juvenile Division of the Saginaw County Probate Court by the Hon. Fred Borchard Sr. in 1953.

She worked tirelessly and humbly as a champion of distressed and troubled children in the Saginaw community.

This included neglected and abused children as well, and Elsie supervised placements and adoptions of numerous children.

She had faith in people and had a special connection with troubled youth. At the time of her retirement, The Saginaw News described her as the Godmother, confessor, adviser and old friend of Saginaw’s delinquent and neglected children. After many years of service, she retired as director of court services in 1978.

All people were of great importance in her life, but none more than her family. Her husband of 24 years, Richard, preceded her in death on July 6, 1973, She is survived by her only child and loving family, R. James Paas (Jim) and his wife, Janet Paas (Redmond); a grandson, Christopher J. Paas and a granddaughter, Laura B. Paas, both of Chicago, IL.
Elsie’s memorial service will take place at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 29, at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State).

Rev. Fr. Jose Parra will officiate.

Friends may call at the Deisler Funeral Home on Thursday, from 2 p.m. until the time of the service at 7.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the Westlund Guidance Clinic, 3253 Congress St., Saginaw, MI 48602 or to Nouvel Catholic Central Teacher Endowment Fund, 2555 Wieneke Road, Saginaw, MI 48603.

Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home or through www.deislerfuneralhome.com.