Elise Carmichael

Anchorage resident Elise Marcia Carmichael, 73, died Dec. 29, 2008, at Alaska Regional Hospital after a two-year battle with cancer.
"She will always be remembered as the one who lived life to the fullest," her family wrote. "She was a bronze sculptress and was commissioned to do many busts of politicians and public figures. Elise was known for her elegance, classy style, and her charismatic personality. She brought joy to many, helping people whether she knew them or not. She loved to cook gourmet meals and entertain, filling her home with laughter and cheer. Being a well-known artist, she had an appreciation for art and antiques; intrigued by the history of each piece, she became an avid collector. She had a knack for decorating and was a seamstress as well."
A memorial service will be at 4 p.m. Friday at Abbott Loop Community Church, 2626 Abbott Road. A celebration of life will be afterward at the home of Naomi Louvier, 7100 Mountain Lake Circle in South Anchorage.
Elise was born April 22, 1935, in St. Martinsville, La. She had five girls and lived there until 1965.
In the first of many adventures, in 1965 she drove the Alaska Highway in a station wagon with her husband, five daughters and the family dog, a large Doberman.
"She made life fun and taught her girls how to be confident, loving and compassionate," her family wrote.
She was raised a Christian by her parents, Charles and Genevieve Carmichael, and witnessed to many. She loved reading her Bible and believed that it was the true word of God.
Elise is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Radosav and Rachel Paunic, Leah Smith, Naomi Louvier, Romules and Esther Cupit, and Paul and Elise Buchholz; 18 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; seven brothers; and one sister.
Elise was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission, P.O. Box 230510, Anchorage 99523.