Elsie Elizabeth (Fife) Nelson

We are saddened to announce the passing of Elsie Elizabeth Nelson who died peacefully on November 7, 2023 with her daughter-in-law by her side. She spent her last few days with her daughter-in-law, and other family and friends visiting and reminding her of the difference she made to the lives she so profoundly touched.

Greatly missed, Elsie is survived by her children Douglas and Robert (Sharon); grandchildren Tara Penney, Ryan Sieger, and Sara Nelson; great-grandchildren Madison and Mason Penney; and brother-in-law Larry (Muriel) and family. Elsie will also be remembered by close friends Joan Pattison; the Donaghys; Leah Forde; and so many others.

Elsie is predeceased by her husband Gerald of 61 years, and their youngest son, Duncan; sisters-in-law Vicki Montgomery, Marge and Connie Nelson; bother-in-law Norman Nelson; and copious close friends and relatives.

Elsie was born in Lacombe, Alberta in 1926, and was the only child to James and Beatrice Fife. She became a teacher upon completing her education at Normal School in Edmonton. She taught at Chigwell, Alberta before being promoted to teach Grades 1 to 6 at Turville School for another year. After teaching, Elsie ventured to Vancouver to secretarial school, and upon completing her training, worked for Disston Saws Company. She would later work for another few years in this administrative capacity for the Girl Guides, also in Vancouver.  

Elsie met Gerald Nelson, whom she married in 1951, and in Ponoka they raised their family. In 1965, and mother to 3 young sons, Elsie began working at the United Church, another secretarial position that would span eight years. She was a part-time receptionist at the Ponoka General Hospital and finally a full-time helper in the Medical Library at the former Alberta Hospital, now Centennial Centre for Mental Health and Brain Injury, before retiring.

We would like to express our gratitude to the caring and compassionate team at the Centennial Centre; to Novelyn, Shani and Yovanna at Northcott Care Centre; to Dr. du Toit who remained so committed to keeping Elsie comfortable, and her daughter-in-law comforted and informed.

You are invited to join the family for a Memorial Reception at St. Mary's Anglican Church Hall in Ponoka at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 14, 2023. The family will join the Memorial Reception after a private family Graveside Service.

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