ELSIE ANNA MAY DEY (LEE)

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ELSIE ANNA MAY DEY (LEE) September 30, 1920 - February 14, 2011 It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Elsie at Betel Nursing Home, Gimli, on February 14, 2011. Surrounded by her family she passed peacefully from this life and entered into the presence of the Lord. Left to remember her and cherish her memory are her children Susan (Barry) Penziwol, Gerald (Colleen), Colleen (Jeff) Epp and Douglas (Janice); grandchildren Kimberly and Bradley Penziwol, Lauren, Connor and Amber Dey, Chantal (great-granddaughter Hayley), Kristen (Scott) and Tanner Chudd, Tyler (Pam) and Talia (Mike) Dey. She is also survived by her sister and brother-in-law Eleanor and Frank Shonkwiler; and sister-in-law Olive White. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Elwood on February 28, 2007; her parents Henry and Abigail Lee; her brothers Harvey and Ron; and her son-in law Calvin Chudd. Elsie was born and raised in Montreal, Quebec. At an early age she accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior and has lived out her faith ever since. In 1948 Elsie graduated from Montreal General Hospital as a registered nurse. She loved her profession and upon completion of her studies traveled west, nursing in many communities along the way. Her first position was in Ethelbert, MB. She then proceeded to Manning, AB, where she was nursing superintendent of the hospital. She then worked as head nurse at the hospital in Matheson, ON. Finally she went to Gypsumville, MB, where she met Elwood Dey. In 1957 Elsie married Elwood and together they raised their four children eventually settling in Gimli. Elsie nursed at Johnson Memorial Hospital in Gimli and then at Betel Nursing Home. She volunteered for 35 years at Betel, playing the piano for the residents. This was a very enriching experience for her. In retirement, Elsie and Elwood spent two weeks in Grenada doing missionary work. To add to their missionary experience they spent two years living in Hungary organizing Bible studies and retreats, as well as teaching English to Hungarian school teachers. Mother was also an active famine fighter as a fundraiser and contributor on behalf of World Vision for 20 years. Elsie and Elwood were founding members of Bayview Church in Gimli. Elsie was instrumental in organizing and serving with the Missions Committee. In 2007, a tribute was given in her honour by Bayview Church in recognition of 20 years of faithful service. Mother was very proud of her family. She spent many hours enjoying the pleasures of her grandchildren, ever willing and able to babysit at a moment's notice. All of their visits were so cherished. We wish to express our thanks to Dr. Zabib and all the caregivers at Betel Nursing Home for their compassion and care of Mother over the past few months. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 19, 2011, at Bayview Evangelical Free Church, Gimli, with Pastor Harv Janzen officiating. Interment to follow at Dnister Cemetery. Pallbearers will be her two sons and her four grandsons. In lieu of flowers, donations in Elsie's memory may be made to Bayview Evangelical Free Church, Box 1709, Gimli, MB, R0C 1B0. Gilbart Funeral Home, Gimli, in care of arrangements. www.gilbartfuneralhome.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 19, 2011