Elaine E. Rioux

It is with immense sorrow that we announce the passing of Elaine E. Rioux, 89, of Greenbush, Michigan, who died peacefully at Alpena General Hospital on October 25, 2025, with her loving son and daughter by her side.

Born in Detroit, Michigan, to Frederick Ellerington and I. Lorena Davis, Elaine was an only child who lived with resilience, conviction, and an unbridled spirit. Guided by a deep belief in social justice, she attended Fitzgerald and Angell Elementary Schools and graduated from Cass Technical High School, forming lifelong friendships she cherished as family.

Elaine built a successful career as an administrator with Michigan Mutual, Chrysler, Ford, and Bendix, and later married James A. Rioux, National Sales Director at Mobil Chemical. Together they raised their family while moving often for Jim’s career, spending joyful years in Metairie, Louisiana, and Clinton, New Jersey, where they created lasting friendships.

An avid lover of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast of Florida, Elaine spent every summer “Up North,” eventually making Greenbush her permanent home. Known affectionately as Grandma Elaine, she was a devoted mother and grandmother — fierce in her love, unwavering in her compassion, and a tireless advocate for her family, for animals, and for those in need.

Elaine was predeceased by her husband, parents, stepmother, and stepfather. She is survived by her loving family: her son, James A. Rioux Jr., of Greenbush, MI; her daughter, Elizabeth Rioux-Christian, and husband Jeff, of Spring Lake, NJ; her granddaughter, Clara Christian; her step-granddaughter, Amanda Christian and her fiancé Yohan Tamir, of Philadelphia, PA; and her beloved cats, Jeannie and Loki.

Private services were held at Gillies Funeral Home in Lincoln, MI. In lieu of flowers, and to honor a cause close to Elaine’s heart, the family gratefully suggests donations to the Alcona Humane Society at AlconaHumaneSociety.org.

Elaine’s life was defined by compassion, courage, and conviction. She left the world gentler, kinder, and more awake than she found it.