Elsie McCauley

Elsie McCauley (nee McDowell) of Milwaukee, Wisconsin entered eternal rest peacefully on April 11, 2026, at the age of 103.   She was a cherished mother, grandmother, and was the glue that held her large extended family together for many years.

Her presence will be dearly missed.

Born in North Carolina on July 20, 1922, to Monroe & Ella McDowell.  She married Joseph McCauley (Military Veteran) in 1941.  They raised 9 children together.

Elsie loved to cook for her large family and was known for her classic Southern Specialties like Chickenbog, Pork chops, Cornbread and Collard Greens.  Her flower gardens and patio displays were the envy of her neighbors.  She truly had a green thumb.

Elsie grew to be a devoted Green Bay Packer Fan.  She would don her jersey every game day as she cheered on the green and gold.

Her sense of humor was legendary. She often filled the room with laughter often. Elsie's rendition of her song about a Ford with a rumble seat for 2 brought joy to all.

Elsie was a woman of strong faith. She positively influenced all who knew her. Elsie was generous with her time and love.  She so enjoyed sharing moments with her family...the more the merrier!

Elsie instilled values such as love for one another and hard work to develop character. She also loved watching her girls learn to line dance.  And she was not shy of critiquing their efforts.  

She overcame many hardships in her lifetime. 

Elsie had a large family that spanned 5 generations. She is survived by her children Lois Strickland, Carolyn (Josef) Koller, Virginia (Joseph) Lucas, Mike (Diane) McCauley, Melissa (Dennis) Drews, Frank McCauley, Dennis (Laurie) McCauley. and her many Grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great-grandchildren as well as many other family members.

Elsie was preceded in death by her husband Joseph McCauley, her sons Charles and Jerry McCauley and her lovable pooch Peanut. 

Let's celebrate her life and all the wonderful years we had together sharing her wisdom, humor and unselfish love of family. We had her 103 years!

Visitation will be held for Elsie on Friday, April 17, 2026, from 12:30pm until the time of the funeral service at 1:30pm, all at Avina of Milwaukee (formerly Alexian Village) Chapel, 9301 North 76th Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53223 (PLEASE NOTE THE TIME CHANGES). Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Mequon, Wisconsin.

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