Elsie’s family immigrated to Canada in 1925. At 16, while living in Vancouver, Elsie was hit by a streetcar; a concussion and broken leg hospitalized her for 2 months. While she was recovering at home, her brother brought his friend John to sit with the “sick chicken,” and a courtship began. In 1955, during a visit by pastor John Stobbe of South Abbotsford (B.C.) MB Church, Elsie accepted Jesus as Saviour. She told John, who also accepted the Lord, thanking her for being so bold. They were baptized together, and Elsie was given John 10:27–30. John and Elsie farmed dairy cattle, poultry, and raspberries. After berry season, they fished and picked apples. When they moved to Clearbrook, B.C., Elsie sorted clothes at MCC and Helping Hands, and finally had time for visiting. She lived alone in Evergreen Village for 7 years after John’s death. In March, Elsie was diagnosed with a brain tumour. A talented gardener, baker, seamstress, and knitter, Elsie gave each of her 30 grandchildren a homemade afghan.
