ELSIE SARAH MCDONALD

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ELSIE SARAH MCDONALD (nee GRIFFIN) October 13, 1921 - August 7, 2015 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Elsie McDonald at Rosewood Lodge in Stonewall. Elsie leaves to cherish her memory, her daughter Marian and son-in-law Ray Assels, grandsons Drew, Trevor (Haley), Kris (Inga) and great-grandchildren Noah and Kira; sisters Ruth Gee, Muriel (Don) Taplin, brother George (Jean) Griffin, sisters-in-law Gwen Griffin, Beatrice (Lionel) Kuran and many nieces and nephews. Elsie was predeceased by her husband of 42 years, Ross McDonald, in 1992; parents, Reg and May Griffin, brother Jim Griffin, brother-in-law Bill Gee, sisters-in-law, Sadie (Leonard) Claydon, and Margaret (George) Martin. Elsie grew up on the family farm in Woodlands. She had many happy memories of her childhood there. After acquiring her teaching certificate she taught in Gunton and Stonewall. While teaching in Gunton she met and later married Ross McDonald in 1950. She worked alongside Ross on the McDonald homestead while they raised their daughter, Marian. Later she returned to teaching in Teulon, retiring in 1980. Nothing made her happier than when a former student recognized her and complimented her on being their favourite teacher. Elsie was a lifetime member of the Teulon Agricultural Society and for many years entered her baking, sewing, knitting, flowers, canning, and vegetables, etc. Over the years she received countless ribbons and prizes for her entries in the Teulon and Stonewall Fairs. A large vegetable garden and numerous flower beds were Elsie's pride and joy. Her endless efforts resulted in an award winning yard. After retiring from teaching Elsie filled her time learning new hobbies. She enjoyed taking pottery and carving lessons. She taught herself to paint along with her good friend, Gladys Paul. With the arrival of three grandsons, her life took on a whole new meaning. She always looked forward to their visits and was thrilled when Marian, Ray and the boys moved back to Manitoba in 1992. In 2001 Elsie moved off the farm and took up residence at Lions Manor in Stonewall. She enjoyed her years at Lions Manor until declining health required that she move to Rosewood Lodge. We would like to thank the staff at Rosewood Lodge for the care and compassion they gave to Elsie and her family during her final days. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, August 13, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at MacKenzie Funeral Home Stonewall, Manitoba. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make donations to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba. MacKenzie Funeral Home Stonewall 204-467-2525 mackhome@mts.net

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 11, 2015