Elsie M. Heiser, age 98 of Mansfield, passed away on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital under hospice care. She was born on June 9, 1927, in Portland, Maine, to the late Daniel and Eva (Chaput) LaRochelle.
Elsie met Richard, a Mansfield native, while he was serving in the United States Navy. She later moved to Mansfield, and the couple was married on March 30, 1946, beginning a devoted partnership that lasted 71 years.
Elsie found joy in being a homemaker and also built a career in women’s fashion—commonly known as “dress shops”—where she formed many lasting friendships. She was also a lifetime member of the VFW Post 3494.
She and her family cherished time spent traveling together, first by car and later by RV, making treasured trips to visit loved ones in Maine and Florida, with many memorable stops along the way.
She is survived by her children Donna Harding, Penny (Chuck) Stone, and Larry Heiser; her grandchildren Jim Heiser, Chris Shirley, Lisa Harding and Erika (Carlos) Jimenez; and her great-grandchildren Michael Heiser, Duane Heiser, Jenna Heiser, Vincent Jimenez, William Jimenez, and Alena Jimenez.
She was preceded in death by her husband Richard B. Heiser; his four siblings; her daughter-in-law Penny Heiser; her granddaughter-in-law Lisa Shirley; her parents Daniel and Eva LaRochelle; and all six of her siblings.
A private burial will take place at Mansfield Cemetery.
Werner-Gompf Funeral Services, 1106 Park Avenue East, Mansfield, is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements.
Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.wernergompf.com
Funeral Home: Werner-Gompf Funeral Services
Website: www.wernergompf.com