Obituary of Elsie Woodcock

Elsie May Woodcock of Lafleche, SK, passed away on Saturday, August 27, 2016, at the age of 93 years. Elsie was born on June 22, 1923, near Fir Mountain, SK. She was the second of four children born to Russell and Ethel (nee Pointer) Flynn. Elsie attended school at Fir Mountain, and boarded with her Grandmother Flynn. She also went to Gwendella, Wood Mountain, and then to Regina where she took her 12T teaching certificate. She met Art Woodcock while teaching at Fairlight, and they were married in August 1946. The next seven years they lived in Hartney and Medora, while Art was working on bringing electrical power to southern Manitoba. While there, they welcomed four children, David, Doreen, Joyce, and Bruce. In September 1953, the family moved to Lafleche, and remained there while the children completed their schooling. In 1962 Art and Elsie opened a Marshall Wells Hardware Store. They felt that Lafleche was a good community to live in and raise a family. Summer activities were numerous, with baseball, football, golfing, swimming lessons, volleyball, curling, and hockey. Elsie enjoyed camping and adventures with her family. In 1969, they moved to Grande Cache, AB, where Elsie worked at the post office. Elsie and Art really enjoyed their time in Grande Cache, spending time with their family there, the wonderful mountain setting, and all sorts of wildlife. It was especially good for them both not to have the stress of business life. In 1977 Art and Elsie moved back to Lafleche and built a new home. They both worked at Thomson Lake for some time, Elsie for a total of five years. This job was just her cup of tea, and she loved to greet people at the park. She could relate to young and old, and people from all walks of life. In 1989, Elsie and Art purchased an acreage at the Old Post near Wood Mountain that was surrounded by trees, a small brook, and was abundant with wildlife, and enjoyed time spent there. While at the Old Post, Art and Elsie worked at the Rodeo Ranch Museum. In early 1996 Art's health started to fail, and he passed away on December 22 of that year. Elsie's love for travel was tremendous, and during their retirement years Art and Elsie enjoyed traveling in Canada and the USA, and had a month long dream trip to Alaska. Elsie drove many times to Alberta to visit Dave, Doreen and Bruce's families, and travelled to Yellowknife for Christmases or to see newborn great grandchildren. For one summer Elsie was a tour guide with a bus company and travelled across Canada; she had an adventurous spirit. Elsie loved gardening, especially the flowers she planted, knitting, crocheting, and volunteering. She collected angels, and had a special place in her heart for animals. The Royal Canadian Legion and the Ladies Auxiliary were an important part of her life. Elsie's grandchildren and great grandchildren were very fortunate to have been blessed with such a loving and young hearted Grandma. When they were younger Elsie loved to take them to the playground, and enjoyed riding the merry-go-round and slide with them. They all had so much fun together. Elsie had the courage of a soldier facing each new challenge as if it was an everyday occurrence. It was rare for her to ever complain, she was a true role model for her entire family. Elsie always put her family first, was helpful when they needed her, and was always fun and full of life. Her life was full and complete. She had a positive attitude about life and through her example her family will find their path in the future. Elsie tried to stay as long as she could, but passed away with peace, serenity and dignity, with a loving family by her side or in her thoughts. Peace be with you forever more - we love you Mom, Grandma, and Great Grandma. Elsie is survived by her loving family, daughter Doreen (Jack) Armstrong, granddaughter Christina (Corey) Trohan, great grandson Austin, great granddaughter Katelin, and grandson Tim, great granddaughter Summer, great grandsons Jacob and Joshua; daughter Joyce (Harvey) Silzer, granddaughter Erica Silzer, great granddaughter Ciera, granddaughter Leanne (Jeff) Halbert, great grandsons Jami, Daniel Silzer and great granddaughter Aisha Silzer, also Jonah, Jade, and Jacalynn Halbert; son Bruce Woodcock (Rose Schulmeister), grandson Derek, and great granddaughter Arianna; children of the late David Woodcock, grandson Marty (Janice) Woodcock, great granddaughters Aislyn and Danika, granddaughter Stacey Tennant, great grandson Corbin, granddaughter Jerri (Jeremy) Barnes, great granddaughters Tianna, Olivia, Sonia; special nieces and nephews, Beth Tallon and family, Brenda (Paul) Heine, Blair (Marlene) Curry and Cody Curry. Predeceased by her loving husband Arthur Woodcock; son David Woodcock; parents Russell and Ethel Flynn; brothers Herb, Merrell; sister and brother-in-law Lorna and Stan Curry; husband of Stacey Tennant, Scott Tennant; sisters-in-law Alice, Irene, Helen, Grace, Ruth; brother-in-law Jim Woodcock; special friends, Theresa Clermont, Ellen Jacques and many dear friends and relatives. Funeral Service was held on Saturday, September 3, 2016, at 11:00 a.m., at the Lafleche United Church, Lafleche, SK, with Pastor Neil Gilbert officiant. The eulogy was shared by Joyce Silzer. Urn bearer was Doreen Armstrong. An honour guard was formed by the Lafleche Legion, No. 204. Honourary Pallbearers were Ken Flynn, Bill Flynn, Bruce Flynn, Blair Curry, Gordon Barr, Russell Barr, and Emile Martineau. Interment took place at the Lafleche Municipal Cemetery. Memorial donations in memory of Elsie to the Lafleche United Church, c/o Box 64, Lafleche, SK S0H 2K0, or a charity of your choice, were greatly appreciated.