Akins, Marguerite “Elise”

Marguerite “Elise” Akins, 62, passed Monday, June 8, 2020, after a twenty-two month and one day battle with brain cancer (glioblastoma).  She was welcomed to this world on September 29, 1957.  The second of four girls to Robert and Suzanne Humphrey, she was born in Crawfordsville, Indiana.  As a child her family lived in New Market, Indiana and following a few family moves, settled in Litchfield, Illinois in 1969.

She graduated from Litchfield High School in 1976.  After graduation, Elise attended Eastern Illinois University for two years; she was a member of the Delta Zeta sorority.  As fate would have it, a sorority sister would one day become a sister-in-law.  In the winter of 1977, her future husband travelled to Eastern Illinois University to visit his sister.  The spark was immediate, the love developed and grew over time.  

In the fall of 1978, Elise and Larry were engaged to be married.  They were married in Litchfield, Illinois in November of 1979.  Following their marriage, they lived in Peoria, Illinois where they remained until 1982 when they moved to St. Louis, Missouri.  St. Louis immediately became and forever remained their home.

A highly dedicated and very successful woman, her greatest joy in life came from being with her children.  She had a special and unique bond with both Brad and Amanda.  Her care and concern were always for her children and grandchildren. She attended countless sporting events for the kids and you could always rely on Elise standing on the bleachers, “gently” reminding officials, referees, umpires, and the unsuspecting – and immediately regretful – opposing fan of the proper call.  This love carried on to the grandkids who learned quickly that the master bath was the source of loud music and plenty of room for all to express their joy in dance.  Many times, it would only take a few minutes after they arrived to start pushing for the dance party to begin. It became a place of music, laughs, and dance.

 Two years after the birth of her oldest child, Elise returned to the workforce, starting what would be her last job.  She was hired as a receptionist at Signature Medical Group (f/k/a Premier Care Orthopedics).  Through incredible hard work and dedication, she continually advanced ultimately servicing as the group’s Director of Operations.  In the late-1990s, while serving as an assistant administrator her employer paid for her to obtain her college degree.  She attended evening and weekend classes over the next few years while still taking care of her children and working extended hours.  Sleep was not the priority.  She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Fontbonne University in 2001.  Throughout her thirty-two years at Signature Medical Group, she served in nearly every role and capacity: as a receptionist, medical assistant, office manager, assistant administrator, Administrator, and Director of Operations.  In all those roles she remained always focused on putting the patient first.  As true a professional success story as one could image, her commitment and willingness to meet all challenges head on are just some of the lasting values of her legacy.

Elise and Larry, married for forty plus years prior to her passing, admired and respected one another through the good times and the trying ones.  Their love grew stronger and tighter through the years. Together their primary focus was to provide for their children. Elise was very proud of the kids as they obtained further education, employment, homes, love, and children of their own. In addition, she had a life-long affection for gardening, dogs, music, and fast cars.  The latter a trait shared by her father.  She loved the Indy 500, and attended 38 races through 2018.  You better believe she pressed her Corvette to the limit at every opportunity.

In August 2018, after experiencing a sciatic-like sensation in her right foot, she underwent a series of seemingly innocuous tests that unfortunately led to the diagnosis of brain cancer.  Specifically, glioblastoma – a stage IV brain cancer with no known cure and a 15 to 16-month median expectancy even with treatment.  From the beginning, she reminded all “it’s out of our control, but I will fight.”  And fight she did.

She underwent an almost immediate resection surgery at Barnes-Jewish Hospital – nine plus hours – followed by six weeks of chomo/radiation then a course of chemotherapy for approximately twelve months.  Electing to receive her care through Duke University, she and Larry (with the support of family) made bi-monthly trips to North Carolina from September of 2018 to March of 2020, when the national Covid-19 pandemic prevented their travels.

In mid-March, during what would be her final in-person visit at Duke, an MRI revealed the regrowth of two tumors in new locations within her brain.  Given the nature of the disease, treatment options were limited.  She pursued available treatment until the disease progressed beyond care.  She was admitted to the hospital near the end of her life and spent her final days at an in-patient hospice facility.  She passed peacefully while in the arms of her loved ones.

It is easy to blame others for one’s misfortune.  If ever there was a time to do so, it was presented to Elise.  She lived a healthy life.  Throughout her fight, she refused to blame anyone, she refused to get down, she refused to allow this disease to define her.  She lived every day to the fullest, knowing the likely outcome.  She worked her way from a wheelchair, to a walker, to a cane through tireless physical therapy. Her right leg mobility was limited from the surgery, she taught herself to drive with her left foot, and pursued driver’s certification, passing with flying colors. She maintained her independence and drive throughout. Between her successful trips to Duke Elise and Larry traveled: to Niagara Falls, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the Ark Encounter, St. Petersburg, the Beach Boys concert at Ryman Theater, and numerous visits with old friends. In twenty-two months, she made countless memories with her husband, two children, four grandchildren, and myriad friends.

While Elise’s time on this Earth has ended, her legacy will endure.  Throughout her life and for the last twenty-two months and one day especially, she has been the rock of her family and the guiding light of their dreams.  She has pulled everyone closer together, reminded all of the true value of life, and remained steadfast in devotion to God and family throughout.  She will be sorely missed, but never forgotten.

The family cannot properly express that gratitude and appreciation they have for the love and support given to Elise during her fight.  They are especially thankful for the medical care provided by Dr. Dina Randazzo (Duke University Hospital) and Dr. John Finnie (Mercy Medical Center), they truly cared for Elise and gave her as much time to continue to spread her joy.

She never stopped fighting and now enjoys eternal peace.  She was proceeded in death by her parents; father-in-law, Lawrence Akins; and brother-in-law, Randy Winston.  She is survived by her husband of forty-plus years, Larry; her two children Brad (Paige) Akins and Amanda (Scott) Greubel; her four grandchildren: Anderson and Benjamin Akins, Aubrey and Avery Greubel; her three siblings: Julie (Kenneth) Nimmons, Jacquie (Michael) Mack, and Laurie Winston; her mother-in-law Jeanette (James) Kallmeyer; her siblings-in-law: Beth (Phil) Kane, Nan Akins, and Marty (Nancy) Akins; and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, and friends.

Visitation will be held at Kutis Funeral Home, South County on Monday, June 15, 2020, from 4:00 to 8:00 pm.  *Due to the Covid-19 virus, masks will be available for use at individual discretion.

Services will be held at Peace Lutheran Church, Tuesday, June 16, 2020, beginning at 10:00 am.  A visitation will precede the memorial service beginning at 9:00 am.

Burial at St. Trinity Cemetery following the memorial service.  All are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Head for the Cure: https://www.headforthecure.org/foundation/memorials/elise-akins.