Elfine Howell Hansen

Elfine passed away peacefully on June 4, 2026, at the age of 94. Born on November 25, 1931, in Chicago to the late William and Myrtle Powers, she lived a life defined by faith, service, generosity, and an unwavering love for her family.

Elfine was a cherished mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, and proud great-grandmother, affectionately known as “GG.” She was a beloved sister, aunt, and dear friend to many. To those who knew her, she was simply everyone’s favorite. Her loving and compassionate nature, coupled with her fierce devotion to her family, made her a source of strength, comfort, and encouragement throughout her life. She burst with pride for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, never missing an opportunity to share their accomplishments and adventures with others.

Raised in Chicago by a family of strong women, Elfine carried those values of resilience, kindness, and hard work throughout her life. She was a remarkable woman who helped launch her husband’s welding business by working midnight shifts while raising her family. Later, she became a supervising accountant during the startup years of Safety-Kleen Corporation. Sharp as a tack until the very end, she approached every challenge with determination, intelligence, and grace.

A woman of deep and abiding faith, Elfine devoted much of her life to serving others. She volunteered at Good Shepherd Hospital for more than 25 years and was an active member of Cary United Methodist Church. She participated and enjoyed being in the Stephen Ministry. While her girls were young, she was also a Sunday school teacher. She touched countless lives with her compassion and encouragement. Her passion for helping those in need also led her to volunteer with PADS and local food pantries. She generously supported many charitable organizations that were close to her heart, always seeking ways to make the world a little brighter for others.

Elfine believed in staying active and engaged throughout her life. She enjoyed golfing, bowling, and participating in walking groups, and she especially treasured the friendships she made along the way. One of her proudest achievements on the golf course was recording three hole-in-ones at the Key Colony Beach Golf Course in the Florida Keys.

The Florida Keys held a special place in her heart and became the backdrop for countless treasured memories with family and friends. There, she enjoyed the simple pleasures she loved most: sunshine, wading in the ocean, She-crab soup, Key lime pie, and her beloved homemade calamondin cake. The Keys provided generations of loved ones with opportunities to experience her adventurous spirit, love of life, and gift for bringing people together.

Family was at the center of everything Elfine did. She delighted in girls’ trips, grandchildren’s games and recitals, family gatherings, and every opportunity to create memories with those she loved. She treasured the birth of each grandchild and great-grandchild, embracing her role as “GG” with immense joy and pride. The stories she shared and the memories she created are plentiful and comforting to recall.

She also carried a lifelong love of dance, continuing to participate in school variety shows as an adult and volunteering at schools whenever help was needed. Her enthusiasm for life, her generous heart, and her willingness to serve others left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

Elfine is survived by her daughters, Karen (Jim) Burton of Waupaca, WI and Kathy (Bruce) Wahlborg of Barrington, IL; grandchildren, Sarah (Joe) Kontuly, Heidi (Ryan) Kepler, Garrett Burton and Erik (Julie) Wahlborg; great-grandchildren, Ava, Lila, Frank, Claire, John, Mike and Timmy; her sister, Connie Weeks.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Frank Howell, her second husband, George Hansen, her brothers, William Powers, Richard Cook, Joe Cook, and by her granddaughter, Kari Wahlborg.

A memorial visitation for Elfine will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2026 from 10 AM until the Memorial Service at 11 AM at Cary United Methodist Church, 500 N 1st St, Cary, IL 60013. A reception at the church will immediately follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to JourneyCare Foundation, https://journeycare.org/donate/