ELSIE CAROLINE FENSKE

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ELSIE CAROLINE FENSKE (PATZER) March 19, 1921 - August 12, 2017 After a brief illness and many healthy years, Elsie passed away peacefully at the Victoria Hospital on August 12, 2017 at the age of 96. Born on March 19, 1921 in Emerson to Michael and Amelia Patzer, Elsie was the youngest of eight children. She was very proud to be the first of her immediate family to complete Grade 12 and upon graduation, moved to Winnipeg in the 1940s. Mom was always the family glue that kept her wide spread family of siblings aware of changes in each other's lives. Spending the weekend in Emerson helping and visiting our grandparents was the norm as we grew up; and through Mom we learned the meaning and value of family. Following the war, Mom met Russ a single father of four boys (William, Gary, Douglas and Kingsley) which would have scared off many 25 year old women but not Elsie who, with Dad, created a home for everyone when they married on November 8, 1947. The births of Bryan, Greg and their princess - the only girl - Sandra, followed. As each of the older boys married, the bedrooms in our small home were reassigned to make it all work. Since we had so much space - or at least Mom's heart did - we welcomed our cousin Roy into our home. Until his passing in his 60s, Mom fulfilled the role of his mother and he openly expressed his love to her as his mother; and we know she made his life feel blessed and loved even though he lived with such great challenges. Elsie was proud of each of her 17 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren. This continues today with more babies arriving soon, who unfortunately, will not get to know their grandma Elsie. They will however, surely learn all about her. If Mom's life were to be summarized into two words they would be family and children. Never was she short on time or patience with the kids and God, how we tested that! Even in her recent years - hindered by dementia - nothing made her eyes light up like a visit from the "babies". Mom lived on Carter Avenue for exactly 50 years to the month and she retained close friendships with the Schmidts, Smiths and other families until their passings. Although she worked full time, the kids, the household needs and keeping the entire family in touch with each other was never affected. She always found the time required for these things which were her priorities. When Dad passed away in 1970, she still had two kids at home and she managed both hers and Dad's roles - even learning to drive (sort of) at 49. While greatly saddened by Dad's passing, she committed to making every effort to ensure the rest of us had all the love we needed and anything else she could provide in his absence. She spent all of her social time involved with her family and made sure we all got together whenever we could. Once retired, Mom travelled the world including Asia, Europe, many US states and of course, all over Canada. In 1999 she moved to the Waverley/Rosewood complex where, thanks to a wonderful staff, she enjoyed her new home and all of the perks she deserved after all of her years of looking after others' laundry, cleaning and cooking. The family would like to extend our special thanks to the Rosewood staff, for their personal attention and extra effort, especially in these past few years. In addition to her parents and siblings, Mom was predeceased by the love of her life Russ, her son Gary, daughter-in-law Doreen, and tragically, her grandson Derrick. Left to mourn her passing are her children: Bill and Joan, Barb, Doug and Elaine, King and Gloria, Bryan, Greg and Cheri, and Sandra. Also, her sister-in-law Margaret and of course, the 46 grand, great and great-great-grandchildren and their spouses and partners. And, she leaves many nieces and nephews and other relatives who always found themselves welcome in her home and in her heart. People so giving and dedicated to the needs of others are very rare and she will be missed by so many. A celebration of Mom's life will be held on Saturday, August 19 at 10:00 a.m. with viewing at 9:00 a.m. for those who desire, at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home at 4000 Portage Ave. Interment and a lunch gathering will follow and all who knew Mom are welcome. Mom's grandson Pastor Tom Fenske will officiate. Pallbearers will be her grandsons, Rick, Philip, Darrin, Matt, Max and Sam. Ushers, granddaughter Mary Fenske and grandson Mark Fenske will greet you. God bless you Mom, may you rest in peace.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 18, 2017