Elaine Mushaben

Our lovely mother, Elaine Mushaben (nee Ober) has at last finished her tasks on earth. Daughter, sister, wife, mother, working woman, grandmother, and great-grandmother - many titles, but her favorite was Gram. She left the world quietly early in the morning on January 9, 2026 at St. Margaret Hall where she lived since her dear Howard's passing in 2020. Her greatest wish was to be by his side.

Never admitting to being old, she was nevertheless the matriarch of the remaining Ober clan at 96 years. Elaine was preceded in death by both parents, Marie and Stanley Ober and all her siblings: Loretta Jorgenson, Robert Ober, Estelle Lange, Alvin "Doc" Ober, and Jerry Ober. She is survived by her children: Joyce Mushaben (deceased spouse Harry Few), Diane Otrembiak (spouse Jim), Mary White (spouse Ken), and Paul Mushaben. Her great joys were her grandchildren: Katie White (partner Mike Stiles), Dan White (spouse Devan), Natalie Ellsworth (spouse Kyle), Mallory Carbajal (spouse Luis), Candice Otrembiak (spouse Jordan), Jake Mushaben (spouse Jenna), Joshua Few, Maddy Buth (spouse Zach), and John Mushaben (fiance Liz Arlian). The last decade gave her more reasons to celebrate life with the coming of great-grandchildren: Desmond, Rowan and Emmy White, Sylvie Buth and Marcus Mushaben. Her family would not be complete without her nephews and nieces; Obers, Mushabens, Jorgensons, and Langes - all who she loved as her own children.

Born of the Great Depression, on September 14, 1929, Elaine was the third daughter and fourth child in the family. She lived through numerous historic events as a happy, content child. Marriage to Howard was in 1951, and by 1952 their family began on Dixmyth Avenue. Their landlords Margaret and Kirby Conner downstairs soon became forever family helping raise three little girls. The era of moving to "the suburbs," came after Elaine's parents made their first move. She became a Girl Scout Troup leader, and active in the IHM school system and the neighborhood. She exemplified the classic 1960's mother living on Immaculate Lane (for the next 61 years). Elaine lived up to her German heritage her whole life where "cleanliness is next to godliness;" made evident by Howard being reprimanded for all the clutter on his dresser. As the children headed off to school, she reentered the workforce in retail sales, working many years with neighborhood friends. She spent her years helping with all the baptisms, birthdays, weddings, and babies that the family had. As a member of St. Rose Parish she had many friends, all willing to support each other as health issues arose. To all a big thank you for your kindness and for your friendships. 

Elaine, your rest is well deserved. There will always be a hot cup of fresh coffee, a comfy chair, and a rosary or a thought to share with us each morning.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 2501 Riverside Dr., on Monday, January 19th at 10 am where the visitation will be from 9:30 am until the time of Mass. Interment will follow at St. John Cemetery in St. Bernard.