Elsie Gilbert Obituary
Elsie Elizabeth Gilbert had an interesting life. Born on February 5, 1940, in Quesnel, British Columbia into a large family, she married young, raised three children (Shayne, Barbra and Shirley) and divorced in her early 40s.
Then, Elsie started her second life. She worked for 22-years at the University of Alberta, Building Services Department, progressing to "lead hand" status. She traveled to new places: Mexico, California, Hawaii and Michigan. She learned how to play softball in her 50s, took art lessons when she retired, and fished with her brothers when she could.
Elsie had an independent spirit and a curious mind. She enjoyed new places, moving several times - to Jasper, Quesnel and Sherwood Park. A talented knitter and crocheter, many learned from, or were gifted her hand-crafted quilts, doilies, baby clothes and other knitted treasures. She loved playing games with her grandkids when they were young, and hearing about their jobs and lives when they became adults. She remained interested in the world to the end, enjoying conversations about politics, changing social norms and new technologies.
Elsie loved to cook because feeding people gave her joy. Over the years, she fed thousands of kids at Jasper youth camps, as a cook at the Seton Hospital and as a pastry cook at Rutherford House Teashop. Of course, she fed her friends and family regularly, and many learned the secrets of how to make exceptional bread, cinnamon buns, or sweet treats from her. She was an incredible gardener who could grow anything: vegetables, strawberries, cacti and even orchids. She shared this passion with her family, teaching them that love, and good dirt truly does make food taste better.
Elsie liked to laugh and made friends easily. In 2021 she moved into Clover Bar Seniors Lodge where she made new friends, learned to play new games, and met a special friend, Ian. At CBL she learned how to scooter, and with Ian explored the surrounding wetland, took in ballgames, and watched kids at the skateboard park.
Elsie often said, "getting old isn't for sissies!". She battled progressive, degenerative lung disease, but did so with grace and dignity – never losing her sense of humour or gratitude for life's adventures and lessons learned. Elsie passed away peacefully at the Sturgeon Hospital on June 24.
Nothing is lost, only changed. Shine on my beautiful Mama!
