ELISE HALVORDINE OSTED (MEYER)

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ELISE HALVORDINE OSTED (nee MEYER) August 31, 1913 - December 28, 2008 At Holy Family Home, on Sunday, December 28, 2008, Elise, passed away, peacefully, after a brief illness, with her family at her side. She was predeceased by her husband of 62 years, Hans, and by all other family members of her generation in Canada and Denmark. She leaves to celebrate her life, her friends in Canada and Denmark and her children: son Peter (Margaret) and their children, Kathy (Ken) and Poul (Sherri, children, Michael, Grace), son Hans (Gail, children, Denise (Rolf) and Hans), daughter Karen Jacks (Rob, children Eli (Joleen), and David (Bora)). Elise was born to Peder Mandrup Meyer and Emilie Augusta Meyer (Pedersen) on August 31, 1913, in Copenhagen, Denmark. She was raised most of her childhood and youth by her paternal grandmother Augusta. In 1934 she met her future spouse, the son of her arts instructor. She and Hans were married in March 1939. Early in her adult life she became an accomplished artist, oils, pen, pencil charcoal, but developed other interests after her marriage. Elise lived an exciting life in interesting times. Starting and raising a young family in pre-war and occupied Denmark developed her character and strength. After the war she and Hans planned for and worked towards the great adventure of their lives, emigration to Canada. In 1954 they made this move with the children, to Winnipeg, where they lived the rest of their lives. In Canada, Elise continued work as a seamstress and was employed for many years by the Children's Home of Winnipeg. Through her life, Elise developed great knowledge and skills in fibre arts. She was accomplished in weaving, sewing, bobbin lace, macramé, knitting and much more. She was a long-term member of the Manitoba Crafts Guild, and spent many winters conducting classes in fibre arts. She passed on her interest, skills and knowledge to friends and family, to whomever showed an interest. She was an excellent cook, housekeeper and mother. She was a good companion (according to Hans), a very successful homemaker, a fine cook and good friend and mother to her children and extended family. All her life Elise lived to try new ideas, skills and projects and was successful in all that she attempted, and she was always calm, considerate and quiet-spoken. Being married to Hans, she learned to put her foot down and draw the line, which she had the opportunity to do not infrequently. She did not say much, and she seldom raised her voice, but when she spoke, she was listened to. Throughout Elise's life, she sought challenges - new skills, crafts, arts, foods, and travel. At the age of 62, she decide that she wanted to learn to drive, and shortly, had her own car, a Beetle, which she happily drove whenever she had the chance to invent an errand. Elise and Hans travelled extensively- Europe, South and Central America, and throughout much of Canada. They took some cruises, tours, and solo travels, and visited and camped in almost every province and territory in Canada Upon Hans' death in 2001, Elise remained in their house on Castle Avenue until she was no longer able to handle the daily work that it takes to be independent. At that point, she moved to Holy Family Home, where she lived on 4A for almost five years. At Holy Family Home she made many friends, residents and staff alike. Her last several years and, especially, the last difficult months were made tolerable by the excellent care of the staff at Holy Family Home, especially, those working on 4A. A very special thank you to these great people. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favourite charity, in Elise's memory. Elise's children invite friends and family to a Come-and-Go Tea, in honour of Elise, on Monday, January 5, 2009, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at Green Acres Funeral Home. Mom, we love you forever. GREEN ACRES Funeral Home and Cemetery # 1 Green Acres Lane, (204) 222-3241 Life stories may be shared with friends and family across the globe at www.mem.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 03, 2009