Elise Friend

CASA GRANDE - Elise Germaine (Dion) Friend, 99, died on Dec. 16, 2017, in Casa Grande.

Mrs. Friend was one of the pioneering women who enlisted in the military in World War II, serving in the Marine Corps. She had various occupations, including bookkeeper, executive assistant and real estate agent.

She was also an accomplished golfer who won many championships in Nebraska. She was born in Rhode Island and lived in Nebraska (Lawrence and Hastings) after the war, moving to Arizona in 1985 upon retirement.

She was predeceased by her husband of 50 years, Matthew C. "Matt"; her adult children, Randolph of Dallas and Cynthia Friend of Belmont, Massachusetts; and two grandchildren.

Funeral Mass celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 5, at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church.

Donations may be made to St. Anthony’s Church in her honor.

J. Warren Funeral Services, Cole & Maud The Gardens Chapel in charge of arrangements.