Elsie was born in Malta to Paul and Elvira Bonnici on August 19, 1930.  She grew up living in the governor's palace with her five siblings: Lina, Violet, Evelyn, Frances, and Alfred.  Some of her favorite stories were about her father and how he chauffeured many officials around Malta, including the late Queen Elizabeth of England.  A special recollection that brought her excitement was waving to the late Queen when she visited.  In her younger years, she and her family lived through World War II.  She shared experiences about taking cover in the bomb shelters for protection.

In 1951, this beautiful woman married the man of her dreams, the late Horace Spiteri.  They celebrated their wedding on August 26th and decided to set upon a journey to the United States to begin their family and a new life.

Their family began with a daughter and three sons, and over the years, continued to expand with spouses, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Mary (Joe) Kahanec

·         Grandson Scott (Kari) Kahanec – Great grandchildren Ashley, Brayden & Lyla

·         Grandson Shaun (Amy) Kahanec - Great grandchildren Kaia & Ethan

Joe (Gayle) Spiteri

·         Grandson Jason (Autumn) Spiteri – Great grandchildren Jackson, Carter & Stella

·         Granddaughter Courtney (Brad) Verburg – Great grandchildren Sloane, Sawyer & Sutton

Mike (Cheryl) Spiteri

Steve (Diane) Spiteri

·         Granddaughter Ava Spiteri

·         Granddaughter Alina Spiteri

While raising her family, she was also a working woman.  She started her position at Kmart when the original store opened in Garden City, Michigan.  She worked there for 40 years and was proud of her role as a manager of women's fashion.  She would tell stories about receiving .25 cents for each wig she sold.

Elsie was the matriarch of the family and will be remembered for her dedication to her family, which she was so very proud of.  Family was very important to her, and she would pray daily for each family member.  She was also known for her strong faith and devotion to the Catholic church.

She could always be counted on to make anyone laugh, as she had a quick wit and a great sense of humor.  She enjoyed traveling in her younger years and even though she was not a gambler, she loved trips to the local casinos to play the penny or nickel slots.

Over the years, Elsie and Horace stayed dedicated to their Maltese heritage by being actively involved in the Maltese American Club in Dearborn, Michigan, where they made many close friends.

Her legacy will continue within the hearts of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Visitation Sunday 3 pm - 8pm with a 7 pm Rosary at the John N. Santeiu & Son Funeral Home. In state Monday 10 am until the 10:30 am Funeral Mass at St. Linus Catholic Church.