Obituary of Elsie McGill

Elsie McGill Elsie McGill, age 79 passed away peacefully on January 3, 2011, at Victoria General Hospital with her loving family and friends at her side. Elsie was born and raised in Fort William, Ontario where she met Bob, the love of her life, and married on May 8, 1954. They were overjoyed and blessed when their only child Tannis was born. Bob accepted a work transfer in 1968 and moved the family to Winnipeg. Together Elsie, Bob and Tannis were a close-knit family filled with love and joy. Elsie and Bob loved "Road Trips". They traveled by car or RV across Canada and the US in search of a golf course or casino -- whichever came first. Elsie's life was not complete without her annual pilgrimage home to Thunder Bay to visit family and friends. She dearly loved being with her family, traveling, and entertaining, but most of all she loved spending time at her cottage at Spruce Bay on Lake Winnipeg. It was at the cottage where she felt most at peace, able to relax and unwind while visiting with friends, playing golf and watching her grandchildren play and spend time at the beach. Elsie had a long and varied career, in Thunder Bay she worked at Chapple's Department store, the Thunder Bay Airport. Together with her husband, they owned and operated the Orchid Flower Shop. Arriving in Winnipeg, Elsie pursued her passion in life and worked as an older adult activity director at Oakview Place, Odd Fellows Lodge and finally with the Stay Young Club at the Rady Jewish Community Centre. Elsie created and organized a variety of programs, removed barriers for participation, applied for every grant available, and tirelessly advocated for the dignity and rights of older adults. Her yearly highlight was the 6-week winter vacation where she would shepherd over 50 people to Florida, Arizona or California. Through her work, Elsie touched the lives of many and made a difference in their quality of life. She was very proud to be in the first class to graduate from the "Activity Workers Program' in 1975 where she was given a certificate of merit for being the Most Inquiring Student. Elsie will be lovingly remembered and dearly missed by her daughter Tannis and son-in-law Rob Appelmans. Elsie's grandchildren Hope and Frankie were her sunshine and light and they will deeply miss their daily visit with their "Grandma Elsie". Elsie is fondly remembered by her sisters, Irene Felteau, Marlene Froese (Jack), sisters-in-law Gwen Koziy (Bill McCall), and Flora McGill, as well Charlene Cavanagh (Brian, Connor), Wilf Felteau (Kathy, Nathan, Kara), Melissa Felteau, Kim McInnis (Neil, Caitlin, Bryn), Rob Koziy (Deanna, Matthew), Rhys Koziy, John Froese, Susan (Don, Grace, Ella) McHardy, Linda McGill (Ken) and well as Jan, Jim, Don McGill, Gloria and Reg Shewchuk. Elsie was predeceased by her husband Robert McGill, parents Doris and John Koziy, her brother Robert Koziy and a brother in infancy. The family wishes to thank Dr. David Breackman, Dr. Homik, Dr Leicht and staff for their special care and kindness over the years; and to Dr. Cavers and Dr. Monsamy, 5 South and 3 South staff at the Victoria General Hospital for their extraordinary care and compassion shown to Elsie. Heartfelt gratitude is extended to Elsie's special friends Rolande Melnic and her husband Leon who opened their hearts and home to Elsie over the years. Elsie enjoyed trips to their farm, planting and harvesting the garden, preparing and eating vegetables and enjoying laughter and company of good friends. Elsie was very fortunate to have daily companionship and outings with a number of wonderful ladies from Home Instead, June who made her laugh like a school girl, Mary-Rose for her compassion and steadfast friendship, and Denise who kept her entertained and decorated her room. Gifts of floral tributes are gratefully declined but should you wish to remember Elsie, your thoughtful donation may be made to the Manitoba Lung Association, 629 McDermot Ave, Winnipeg MB R3A 1P6 or a charity of your choice. Cremation has taken place and a celebration of Elsie's life will be held on Saturday, January 8, 2011 at 1:00 pm at Sturgeon Creek United Church, 207 Thompson Drive. Interment in Brookside Cemetery will be held at a later date. Cropo Funeral Chapel 1442 Main Street 586-8044