Obituary of Elsa Dill

DILL - Elsie (nee Crape) On Thursday, May 3, 2007, with family at her side, our beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother passed away ever so gently and peacefully into the outstretched arms of Jesus . . . one day after her 90th birthday. She was born in Wheatwyn, Saskatchewan, on May 2, 1917 (one of fourteen children, two of whom died as infants). Predeceasing Elsie were her parents, Karl and Katharine Crape; loving husband, Edmund Robert in 1982, and son, Brian Robert in 2005; as well as six brothers (John, Paul, Art, Ernie, Bill and Alfred) and two sisters (Frances and Beth) as well as many family members and friends. Left to rejoice in our shared memories, and to continue to celebrate the miracle of her life, are her children: Loverna (Ken) McKenzie, Regina, Sk.; Alan (Daphanie) Dill, Moose Jaw; Ken (Arlene) Dill, Victoria, B.C.; daughter-in-law (Rita) Dill, Tucson, Arizona; eight grandchildren: Randy Fry, and Lisa (Charles) Major; Greg Dill, and Kim (Jim) Fenderson; Tiffany Dill, and Cody Dill (Carly Brown, fianc); Kevin Dill (Sonya), and Marty Dill; three step-grandchildren: Kathy (Rick) Thomas, Pat (Darlene) McKenzie and Judy (Michel) McKenzie-Saurette. nine great-grandchildren: Danika, Brisana and Kalista Fry; Larissa, Ashley, Katelyn and Danielle Major; Shelby and Joshua Fenderson; three step-great-grandchildren: Suzanne, Kristin and Michel, Jr. She also leaves to mourn her three sisters, Freda Johnson (California); Edna (Tony) Schmidt, and Doreen (Es) Preus of British Columbia. Ed and Elsie were married December 16, 1936, and resided in Regina, where dad had a lifelong career as a jeweler and watchmaker. Mom was a devoted mother and homemaker and at times employee (Fuhrmanns Meats and Eatons Groceteria). We shared our home with boarders, and mom took in ironing for a time. She did the accounting for dads business. Mom and dad selflessly served family, God, church and community all their lives. A strong work ethic, trust and faith, kindness, and self-sacrifice were witnessed by all. We were so blessed to have such a loving and fun home . . . with an open-door policy, and delicious meals to boot . . . be it family, old friends or new, young and old. (The Dills yards were constantly full of kids of all ages playing " and eating!) After dads passing, mom remained in Gladmer Park, and then moved to Helen Herchmer Seniors High Rise for about ten years. She had a wonderful life there, making many close friends, remaining independent for a long time. In December, 2005, mom moved to Marian Chateau Assisted Living, where she happily stayed until March 14, 2007, when her needs necessitated more personal care. She was admitted to Pasqua Hospital and was awaiting a nursing home. She so tried to retain her independence, never wanting to bother staff, or ask for a thing. She was a private person, well-read and spoken, neatly dressed and put-together at all times. She was a woman of grace and inner strength, stoic, always with a very quick wit, sharp mind, and great sense of humor. Her pride and joy was her family, especially the grandchildren and great-grandchildren and their accomplishments, which amazed her. She encouraged each of them individually in their unique talents. How they adored Little Grandma.? She was also the crossword puzzle Queen? and spelling champ of the century in our eyes, quick to pick out spelling and/or grammatical errors in any printed matter. In recent months, her memory began to fail to the extent that some of these pleasures became more of a challenge. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank the following: The many friends from Grace Lutheran and Bread of Life churches over the decades; old neighbors; dear friends at Helen Herchmer (especially Nellie Brown and the gang) who faithfully visited and phoned her; her recent friends and the caring staff at Marian Chateau; the unbelievably dedicated angels on Wards 3D and 4B at the Pasqua Hospital (especially Jackie and her staff, so sensitive to moms needs and comfort) . . . and who alerted us in time Thursday a.m., so some of us got to be with her as she quickly slipped away. Special thanks to Dr. Mark Cameron for his care and concern and for monitoring mom and visiting daily, and for the exceptionally smooth immediate transition to the hospital in her time of need; also to the Allan Blair Cancer Clinic and Dr. Janciewicz, for prescribing non-aggressive, but effective treatment for mom, thus allowing us to have her for 10 years after her initial diagnosis, and for his cheerful friendly rapport (also Mary, and Dr. Nielson). Thank you to Vicar Carrie Meadows and Pastor David Kaiser, and Bread of Life Lutheran Church, for meeting moms spiritual needs, and Pastor Kaiser for arriving within minutes, after which mom just closed her eyes and fell asleep in Jesus. God bless each and every one of you and others we may have missed! Goodbye precious Mother, Grandma, Gram, and Little? Grandma. Oh, how much we love and miss you . . . and how we look forward to our blessed reunion once again in Heaven Those so wishing may make donations in memoriam to a charity of their choice. A Visitation for family and friends will be held at Speers Funeral Chapel on Sunday, May 6th from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. The Funeral Service will be held at SPEERS FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2136 College Avenue at 10:00 a.m. MONDAY, MAY 7TH, with Pastor David Kaiser, and Vicar Carrie Meadows officiating. An online book of condolences may be signed at www.speersfuneralchapel.com