THE REVEREND ELSIE PATRICIA ROSENBERG

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THE REVEREND ELSIE PATRICIA ROSENBERG The Reverend Elsie Patricia Rosenberg left us January 5, 2002 after a lengthy battle with cancer. Predeceased by her parents, Victor and Lillian Rosenberg; brothers, Dennis (1943) and George (1997). Elsie Leaves to celebrate her life her sister Molly Swan of Richmond BC; brother Robert and his wife Margaret Rosenberg of Erickson, MB; sister-in-law Margo Rosenberg, Langley; many nieces, nephews, friends, and collegues. Born on November 12, 1926 in Winnipeg, MB, the family moved in 1939 to Brandon, MB, where she attended business college for her bookkeeping job at Binkley Motors. She became active in the United Church Sunday School, leading CGIT and participating locally and provincially in the Young Peoples Union. Elsie answered the call for women to be trained as deaconesses studying for two years at the United Church training school, Toronto, graduating in 1953 with her first work in Fort Credit, ON. She moved a few years later to Regina working in Church Extension. In 1969 she moved to Vancouver where her background in social work prepared her to assist those needing help at the First United Church, Mission, on E Hastings. She directed summer camps for mothers and children at Camp Fircom, a very rewarding time in her life. In 1976, Elsie received a call to a team ministry in Powell River performing Sunday services. During this time, the Deaconesses Association became Diaconal Ministers. Leaving Powell River in 1983 to have cancer surgery and recuperate, Elsie joined the First United Church, Mission part-time as a visiting minister. In 1986, she received a call to be a minister at Skidegate, Mission on the Queen Charlotte islands. "It was the highlight of all my years of ministry", she said. She served two congregations where she was invited into the Haida lives and celebrations before retiring in 1990 and returning to Vancouver. During her life she enjoyed traveling around the world and shared her adventures, Continental Europe, Russia and the Great Wall in China. Following cremation, her remains will be placed at the memorial gardens, South United Church No. 3 Rd. and Steveston Hwy. in Richmond. Memorial Service to be held Thursday, January 10 at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in Elsies memory can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society and the Parkinson Society Canada. A special thank you to her care givers at Richmond Hospital Minoru residents. "I have needed, Thy hand hath provided Great is thy faithfulness, Lord unto me."

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 09, 2002