ELSIE MARY CASTLE (PROCTOR)

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ELSIE MARY CASTLE (PROCTOR) February 6, 1915 - February 17, 2013 Elsie passed away peacefully after a well-lived life of 98 years. Mourning her passing are her daughter, Elaine and Eric Askew, granddaughter Lynn and Steve Hewitt, great-grandchildren, Lauren and Dean, and granddaughter, Karen and John Gray. Nephew Keven and Gloria Van Camp, nieces, Joan and Lawrence Sinclair, Wanda and Dean Provins, Arla and Jim Beachell and Laura and Brad Woods and families will all miss their Auntie Es. Through a relationship that spanned seven decades, she has remained a favourite of her brother-in-law, Bob Van Camp. Elsie was predeceased by her beloved husband Erwin, in 1984 and by her sister, Marjorie, in 2007. Elsie was the elder daughter of Major and Margaret (Tully) Proctor, born in Winnipeg and raised in Woodlands. She was the last surviving grandchild of the pioneer Henry and Hannah Proctor family who settled in Woodlands, circa 1880 and one of the last of James and Mary Jane Tully who arrived in Poplar Heights in 1888. Elsie attended the local school and matriculated from Rupertsland College. Upon graduation from business training, she began work for the R.M. of Woodlands, assisting her father, who was Secretary-Treasurer. In 1942, Elsie secured employment with the Northern Trust Company in Winnipeg. In November of 1949, Elsie married Erwin MacNeil Castle and joined him at his Gilbert Plains farm, a mixed grain/apiary operation. During the farm years, she perfected her ability to produce large meals in short order. In this beautiful setting, Erwin and Elsie provided all of us with warm memories of glorious visits. They loved travel and Elsie always encouraged us to see the world. With a red and silver trailer, hand-made by Erwin, they travelled often, with many winter months spent in California and Florida. When that same trailer found a permanent home at Clear Lake, Elsie and Erwin welcomed us for many happy summers. In 1965, the Castles retired to 111 Kingston Row in Winnipeg, fulfilling Erwin's desire to live on a riverfront property. For some years, Elsie assumed accounting duties for the A. Jackman Fur Company. She continued her support of the Rebekahs through memberships in the Sunshine and Acadia Lodges. Elsie was an excellent homemaker; her baking, sewing, knitting and crafts were completed to perfection. In their home, the conclusion of a meal meant a deck of cards would hit the table and it was game on. More often than not, with a sly grin, Elsie would collect the pot. In later years, she enjoyed games with her friends at Lions Manor. Elsie derived a lifelong pleasure from growing and sharing plants. An independent spirit, first shown in her initial move from Woodlands, has been her mainstay. We have watched in amazement as she became a widow and then faced and fought cancer in her 70s, left her St. Vital home to move to Stonewall in her 80s, and continued to manage her own business affairs until the age of 97. We have been inspired and enriched by her presence in our lives and she is greatly missed. Elsie's family would like to acknowledge and express our gratitude for the care and support she received from Home Care, Dr. G. Pinniger and staff at Stonewall Hospital, along with the staff of Unit 1, 4th Floor, Seven Oaks Hospital, who worked so hard for her on her last day. Remembrances may be made to CancerCare Manitoba, 675 McDermot Ave., Room ON1160, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0V9, or to a charity of one's choice. Cremation has taken place. Interment beside her dear Erwin will take place at Chatsworth Cemetery, Gilbert Plains, in the spring of the year. Arrangements by: ARNASON FUNERAL HOME Ashern - Lundar 1-204-768-2072 1-866-323-3593

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 23, 2013