MARY ELSIE GROBB

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

MARY ELSIE GROBB Peacefully on Saturday, November 12, 2005 at her residence at the Douglas Campbell Lodge, Portage la Prairie, Elsie Grobb passed away with her family by her side, at the age of 95 years. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 19 at 2:00 p.m. at Trinity United Church, 15 Tupper St. S., Portage la Prairie, followed by a reception at the Masonic Hall. A private interment service at Hillside Cemetery will precede the funeral service. Elsie was born on June 26, 1910 at Swan River, MB, daughter of the late Reverend James Duncan and Sarah Gregg. The daughter of a United Church minister, she lived in many communities throughout Manitoba as he moved to different pastorates. She began her music career by playing the organ for her father's services at an early age. In 1934 she received her A.C.T.M. and taught piano for many years. In 1936 Elsie married Charles Reginald Grobb and they farmed the Grobb homestead on the south side of the City of Portage la Prairie. Elsie was the Music Director at the Manitoba Developmental Center for 20 years, retiring in 1971. For many, many years she played for weddings and funerals and for a number of years was the organist and choir director at Trinity United Church. Elsie was a Charter Member of the Portage Royal Purple #66 and the past President of the Portage Chapter of the Registered Music Teachers' Association. Predeceased by her husband Reg in 1970, son Donald James in 1945 and her adopted sister Florence Blackie in 2002, she is survived by her three daughters, Edith Huffman (Wayne) of Calgary, AB, Ann Marie Stronski (Roy) of Portage la Prairie and Betty Jean Vermure (Bill) of Ottawa, ON; grandchildren, Sandy Plouffe (Stacey) of Winnipeg, Debbie Wyatt (Curt) of Winnipeg, Pam Stronski of Abbotsford, BC, Marlo Vermure of Vancouver, BC and Reg Vermure of Toronto, ON; great-grandchildren, Connor, Ashley, Taylor, Colt, Mason, Aaron, Camryn; also her special friend Grace Sikha. The family wishes to express their deep appreciation for the many, many kindnesses shown to our mother and us during her time at Douglas Campbell Lodge. The care and attention was wonderful. If friends so desire, contributions to Douglas Campbell Foundation, 150 Ninth St. S.E., Portage la Prairie, R1N 3T6 or Trinity United Church Organ/Music Fund, 15 Tupper St. S., Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 1W7 would be appreciated. Ronald Moffit Memorial Services (204) 856-3487

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 16, 2005