ELSIE CATHERINE REIMER (SAWATZKY)

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ELSIE CATHERINE REIMER (nee SAWATZKY) September 19, 1944 - April 22, 2014 It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Elsie into the arms of her Saviour while surrounded by her family at Riverview Health Centre. She was the beloved wife of Bill Reimer. She was mother to Kendall (Barb), Kimberley (Marvin Hiebert), Brian and Bruce (Amanda). She had eight grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents, Bernhard and Margaretha Sawatky, and one sister. Elsie was born in Altona, MB. She grew up in the village of Gnadenthal, MB in a lively family of 11. She attended high school at MCI in Gretna. Her early work experience included working as nurse's aide at the Grace Hospital, Winnipeg, as well as the hospital in North Battleford, SK, and also worked in the kitchen at Craigwood Boys Farm, Ailsa Craig, ON She was a student at Elim Bible School graduating in 1967. This is where she met and fell in love with Bill Reimer, a young man from Boissevain. They were married on August 3, 1968, and moved to Winnipeg where Bill attended university. Shortly after graduation, they moved to Brandon where Bill was employed with Agriculture Canada. This job took them to Morden in 1974, where they lived until 1982 at which time they moved to Winnipeg. Elsie was a devoted mother to her four children. She also provided childcare for several other children in her home during these years. Elsie was employed with We Care Health Services for two years and in 1990 joined the WRHA as a health care aide, providing home care services. She greatly enjoyed this service to others. She retired from the WRHA in 2003. After retirement, she volunteered at the MCC thrift shop every Wednesday with Bill. She also volunteered with Women in Mission, and the Caregiving ministry at Bethel Mennonite Church. Elsie greatly enjoyed the outdoors She loved camping, cycling, gardening, reading and traveling. Bill and Elsie enjoyed trips to Maui, Mexico, Jamaica, Cuba, Costa Rica, as well as tours to Europe, Israel and Jordan. They also travelled to Oklahoma twice a year for the past eight years to spend time with children and grandchildren. Elsie was also a talented cook and baker. Her pies and cinnamon buns will be greatly missed by her family! Bill and Elsie attended Bethel Mennonite Church in Winnipeg. Her faith and her church family played a large role in her life. She lived a life of quietly blessing others. She made everyone that she met feel special. Elsie always had a listening ear and a cup of coffee ready. These attributes endeared her to many. She will be greatly missed. The family wishes to thank the staff at the Victoria Hospital CancerCare Centre and the Riverview Health Centre Palliative Care Unit for their compassionate care of Elsie. A memorial service will be held on April 29, 2014 at 1:30 p.m. at Bethel Mennonite Church, 465 Stafford St. Winnipeg, MB. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to MCC, or CancerCare Manitoba, available at the church.
Publish Date: Apr 26, 2014

ELSIE CATHERINE REIMER (nee SAWATZKY) Peacefully, with family by her side, Elsie passed away at Riverview Health Centre on April 22, 2014, at the age of 69 years. Memorial service will take place Tuesday, April 29, 2014 at 1:30 p.m. at Bethel Mennonite Church, 465 Stafford Street. Private family interment in Mennonite Memorial Gardens. Longer notice to follow in Saturday's edition. On line condolences at www.friendsfs.ca
Publish Date: Apr 24, 2014

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 26, 2014