Elaine A. Jason

Elaine A. Jason, 60, loved by many, passed away peacefully at her Kalamazoo home on Monday, November 25, 2019. Elaine was born July 27, 1959 in Muskegon, MI to Robert and Rita (Harden) Jason. The family moved to Traverse City when Elaine was five years old. She spent a happy childhood near Silver Lake and Lake Ann. Elaine attended St. Francis Elementary and graduated from Traverse City Senior High in 1977, where she was National Honor Society President, DAR Good Citizen and ran track and cross-country.

Elaine then attended Northwestern Michigan College and Central Michigan University, where she continued her track and cross-country pursuits and won team spirit awards. She graduated with high honors in 1981 with a Bachelors degree in Public Health Programs. Elaine began her career in cardiac rehabilitation at Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo, where she made many lasting friendships.

Elaine married David Naegele in 1984, a union that lasted 25 years. They moved to Battle Ground, WA in 1990 to further their careers, and lived there 10 years. Elaine worked at Providence Medical Center in Portland, OR. She loved the Pacific Northwest for its beauty and recreational adventures.

Elaine earned Masters Degrees in Exercise Physiology and Health Care Administration. These led to management positions in Grand Rapids, St. Joseph and Kalamazoo. For the last five years, Elaine worked as a Credentialed EPIC medical software trainer at numerous hospitals throughout the United States.

Wherever she lived or worked, Elaine made friendships easily with her warm smile and professional competence. Throughout her life, Elaine ran road races, hiked and biked trails, and kayaked waters to enjoy the outdoors with her family and friends. She loved live music and attended ArtPrize every year. She also volunteered at many events, especially the annual Borgess Run for the Health of It held each spring. Elaine was funny, generous, determined and courageous.

Elaine will be dearly missed by her parents; siblings, Jane Jason, Denise (Rick) Shaw and Robert (Carol) Jason, Jr.; nieces and nephews, Alexander Lane, Devon Lane, Valerie McClain, Rob Shaw, Lexi Jason and Brianna Jason; special aunt, Karen; and many loyal friends. Elaine will be cremated, per her wishes, and buried in Traverse City.

The family will greet friends on Friday, December 6th from 5-8:00pm at Langeland Family Funeral Home, 3926 S. 9th Street, Kalamazoo, where the rosary will be recited at 7:30pm. A memorial Mass with celebrant Father Ben Huynh will take place on Saturday, December 7th, 11:00am at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 1150 W. Centre Ave., Portage, MI. A luncheon at the church will follow the service. Memorial donations may be directed to First Day Shoe Fund in Kalamazoo, or to the Elaine A. Jason Scholarship c/o NMC Foundation, 1701 E Front St, Traverse City, MI 49686. Please visit Elaine's personalized webpage at https://www.langelands.com