Leila Amanda Draugelis of Chelsea, formerly of Wauzeka, WI; Plymouth, MI; and Tucson, AZ, age 91, died Thursday, March 30, 2023.
She was born on Sept. 10, 1931, in Boscobel, Wisconsin, the daughter of Ora and Harriet Leila (Mercer) Oswald.
From her childhood on a cattle farm in Wauzeka to her retirement years in Chelsea, Leila met life with a quiet grace and intelligence. Leila earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin and her master’s in library science from the University of Michigan.
For years, Leila stayed home with her children and volunteered. Later, she worked as a high school teacher, a high school librarian, and later in a public library. After retiring, she moved to Chelsea and volunteered in the libraries at North Creek Elementary School, the Chelsea Center for the Arts, and the Chelsea District Library. She was proud to have served on the Chelsea District Library Building Committee.
Most importantly, Leila was a devoted grandmother. She attended all performances and athletic events. Although a perfectionist herself, she ignored her grandchildren’s mistakes. They called her Grandma Lee, and often, she was the one they called. She dropped off snacks, meals, and forgotten items. She knew their friends and what was important to her grandchildren. They had many conversations and laughs over the years. She stayed current on what they were doing and was extremely proud of each of them.
Per Leila’s wishes, family will have a private family service.
For the full obituary, please click here.
