Marie Elias, 80, passed away peacefully on March 23, 2019 in Tavares, Fla. Her beloved children, Greg and Karen, surrounded her with love as she embarked on the journey to her next life.  Marie was born Jan. 25, 1939 in Detroit, Mich., the daughter of Arthur and Claire (Lioret) Graham. She married Kenneth Elias in April 1961.

Marie was an accomplished painter. Her oil-on-canvas landscapes were admired by all who viewed her work. Her paintings adorned her home, floor-to-ceiling on many walls, and also brightened the homes of family and friends.

Marie's tasteful eye could be seen in many things, from sewing and beading wedding gowns to decorating Russian eggs. Most anything she touched was beautified. Her eye for furniture placement and interior decorating was admired by many. Her flourish in the kitchen (likely enhanced by her French heritage) produced delicious meals, often served on an impeccable tablescape for guests.

Marie and Ken moved with their children to Burlington, Vt. in 1965. Marie was a stay-at-home mom during her children's early years, then embarked on a sales career in the insurance and retail industries in and around Burlington. Her incisive questions and sound advice helped customers find products that best fit their needs, while her friendly demeanor made her a sales leader.

After Ken retired, the couple moved from Vermont to Virginia. There, Marie was prolific in painting and decorative arts. Her humor, joy for life and quick wit were yet another form of art. She cheered many friends through their sorrows.

Marie and Ken later moved to Leesburg, Fla. During their final decade together, they enjoyed travel cruises and went ballroom dancing every Saturday evening.

After grieving the loss of her husband in 2013, Marie's strength and faith allowed her to refashion her life once again. She used her new apartment as a blank canvas and transformed it into a beautiful home. She made many new friends, and enjoyed her morning "coffee posse" with them.

Marie was also a loving, joyful, generous and instructive grandmother to her beloved Wayne, Shania and Ian. Whether she sang to them or shared her famous recipe for macaroni and cheese, she left the hearts of her grandchildren warmer after every visit.

Marie is survived by her son, Greg Elias, and his wife, Patricia McManus Elias, of Williston, Vt.; her daughter, Karen Elias Ager, and her husband, Donald R. Ager Jr., of Concord, N.H.; her grandchildren, Shania and Ian; and her nieces and nephews Michael, Debbie, Katie, Lisa and Leslie.

Donations in Marie's memory may be made to the National Kidney Foundation.

https://www.kidney.org