Elsie Marie McCoy, 97, passed away peacefully on June 16, 2026, with her loving family by her side.
She was born on May 8, 1929, in Cincinnati, Ohio, the daughter of Elmer and Laura (Borho) Wilhelm. Elsie earned a degree in chemistry and began her career at Procter & Gamble. On August 22, 1953, she married the love of her life, Thomas J. McCoy, with whom she shared a lifetime of faith, family, and service.
Elsie and Tom were devoted members of St. Hubert Church and St. Matthew Church. Together, they were founding members of the New Jerusalem Prayer Group, which has remained active for over fifty years. Elsie’s strong faith guided her life and inspired her to serve others in many ways. She was a Minister of Care, a Eucharistic Minister, and an active participant in the Sacred Cursillo movement and reunion group.
Elsie also had a vibrant and outgoing spirit. Over the years, she worked as a Tupperware consultant, Welcome Wagon representative, Fuller Brush salesperson, and toy demonstrator—roles that reflected her warmth and ability to connect with people. Above all, she was an extraordinary wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, remembered as one of the kindest and sweetest people you could ever meet.
She is lovingly survived by her five children: Patrick (Teresa) McCoy, Timothy (Karen) McCoy, Dennis (Ana) McCoy, Terrence (Karen) McCoy, and Mollie (Thomas) Burleson; her ten grandchildren: Sean (Laura), Daniel (Daniella), Megan (Antonio)Iaccino, Alex (Natalie), Erin (Anthony) Kane, Kimberly, Elijah, Gideon, Aiden, and Evan; and her seven great-grandchildren: Ryker, Mila, Zara, Teddy, Frankie, Leo, and Luci. She is also survived by her brother, Lee (Betsy) Wilhelm; her sister, Carol Sicking; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Elsie was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas J. McCoy; her grandchildren, Abigaele Burleson, Jordan McCoy, and Kyle McCoy; and her brother, Walter Wilhelm.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 24, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at DeFiore Funeral Home, 10763 Dundee Road, Huntley. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, June 25, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in 451 W. Terra Cotta Avenue, Crystal Lake. Burial will be at St. Michael the Archangel Cemetery in Palatine, Illinois.
Memorials may be directed to MaryTown https://de.kolbeshrine.org/donations/donate
For further information, please contact the funeral home at 847-515-8772 or visit www.defiorefuneral.com to share online condolences.
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Dear Elsie, what a beautiful life you lived and what a marvelous spirit lives on. God bless you and your loving family for all eternity, dear friend. 💖🦋
‘Elsie’ was truly a wonderful and beautiful power in the universe! She was always sharing God’s love with anyone and everyone that came into her circle! May God welcome her with open arms and make her comfortable!!!