Elsie CORY

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CORY: Elsie May Cory (nee Henry). Elsie May Cory (nee Henry) of Wawanesa, Manitoba, beloved wife of the late Dion, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 13, 2013 at the Wawanesa Health Centre at the age of 93. Elsie was born July 1, 1920, in Hamiota and raised on a farm in the nearby community of Oak River. Her lifelong love of animals (especially horses and cats) developed quickly, as did an abiding interest in literature and pioneer history. Destined to be a teacher, Elsie graduated from Brandon Normal School in 1941 and held teaching positions at one-room schools in Mayne and Chesley, where she was courted by Dion. She moved on to Nesbitt and, finally, Forrest, before Dion and she were married in 1945. They celebrated 50 years together the summer before Dion’s passing in 1996. Elsie and Dion raised seven children and she strove to instill in them her passion for learning, gardening, music and other art forms, as well as for community service. She was a 4H leader, Sunday school teacher and choir member, involved in more than one chapter of United Church Women, a member of the Hospital Aid Ladies Auxiliary and of the Hope Rebekah Lodge for over 60 years. Elsie was a staunch supporter of the Sipiweske Museum and volunteered enthusiastically in both the curricular and extra-curricular activities of her children and grandchildren. She was particularly proud of her involvement in the war effort, helping supply Allied Forces overseas. In later years, Elsie enjoyed opportunities to read to, sing for and entertain residents of the Wawanesa Health Centre. Elsie was devoted to her family and loved nothing more than to gather and share in members’ experiences, often hosting holiday and anniversary celebrations and treating all with her baking. Her home-made buns remain legendary! An inveterate traveler, Elsie crossed the continent many times in all directions, cruised the Caribbean and visited the British Isles, but loved no place on Earth more than the home farm at Memory Mere, caring deeply about its vitality until her final breath. Left to mourn Elsie’s passing are daughters Lee (Herman) Heinrichs of Wawanesa, Wendy (Laurier) Côté of Lac des Loups, QC, Colleen (Gord) Taylor & Calla (Don) Brown of Winnipeg, and Faye (Neil) Inkster of Nesbitt, sons Frain (Leslie) of Winnipeg, Clay (Carolyn) of Wawanesa, 24 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, sister-in-law Betty Henry of Winnipeg, and numerous nieces, nephews, extended relatives and friends. Elsie was predeceased by her beloved husband Dion, great-granddaughter Josie Taylor Ring, parents Charles & Lillian (nee Chadsey) Henry, brothers Stan (Jean), Ted (Agnes) and Lyle, Sisters Inez (Adam) Nicholson and Alma (Charles) Warren, brothers-in-law Clare (Edythe) and Clifford (Muriel) and sisters-in-law Bernice (Dann) Campbell, Josephine (Frank) Turnbull, Doreen (Steve) Rodgers and Jacqueline (Wallace) McKenzie. A Celebration of Elsie’s Life will be held at Wawanesa United Church at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, September 7, 2013. Interment to follow in Methven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Elsie’s memory to the Wawanesa Community Foundation, Box 281 Wawanesa, MB R0K 2G0 or the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Unit 3, 824 18th St. Brandon, MB R7A 5B7. Online condolences may be made at www.willmorchapel.com.Jamieson’s Funeral Service of Glenboro, MB in care of arrangements. (204) 827-2480.

As published in Brandon Sun on Aug 31, 2013