Obituary of Elsie Weber

WEBER - Mrs. Elsie Weber of Surrey, BC passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 3, 2011 at St. Peter's Hospital in Melville. She was 92 years of age. Elsie was born in Govan, Saskatchewan on February 9, 1919; a daughter of Henry and Emma Staffen. Elsie attended Symric and Sundwall School in the Govan district. She was confirmed in the Lutheran Church in Durall at the age of 15. Elsie met Siegfried "Fred" Weber, became good friends, engaged and were married in October, 1938. Following their marriage, the couple resided in the Govan district, where they farmed and raised cattle. This union was blessed with six children. The first born, Ronald died four days after he was born. Eventually, Elsie, Fred and their children, Beverly, Diane, Irene, Laverne and Marge moved to Vancouver, BC. There, Jim was born in 1950. While in Vancouver, Fred worked for the Vancouver City Works Department, and Elsie operated a rooming house. A couple of years later the family all moved to an acreage in Surrey, BC, where Marlene, Lana and Mary Ann were born. In Surrey, Fred and Elsie operated their own logging business on their property. Elsie worked alongside Fred, driving the truck and became very proficient at 'log peeling' (Elsie even designed an apparatus to make this job much easier). Elsie, being a good business woman, purchased homes in the area, renting them out, and then eventually selling them. For a few years Elsie's nephews and nieces, Gordon, Jerry, Wayne, Sherry, Doug and Nora Staffen became a big part of their family. Elsie loved her nephews and nieces as they were her own children. Years later, the family moved to 100 Mile House, BC where they purchased 240 acres and logged the land. Following this they moved back to Saskatchewan. Elsie's grandchildren could not wait to visit Gramma, as there was always fresh baking, cinnamon rolls, doughnuts, krautbieruk and buns waiting for them. Elsie was also known for the many kinds of pies and puddings. She loved making and sharing her favourite recipes with her children and grandchildren. Elsie planted extraordinary beautiful gardens, and from there would preserve all kinds of vegetables and fruit which she loved to share with family and friends. Elsie's strength, ambition and drive were instilled in her children and grandchildren. No matter how hard life could be at times with illness, Elsie always had a smile on her face. Elsie's faith and the love for the Lord never stopped growing and always wanted to be there for her family. Elsie was an extraordinary woman and will be sincerely missed and never forgotten. Predeceased by her husband Fred in 1989, daughter Marlene Weber in 1998; her brothers: Carl, Harold & George Staffen; and a sister, Irene Derry. Elsie is survived by her children: Beverly (Gunnar) Delgren, Diane Chan, Irene (Cliff) Curtis, Laverne (Elmer) Charko, Marge (Len) James, Jim (Lynne) Weber, Lana (Randy) Doherty, Mary Ann Rokosh (Mike Koerbel). Her brothers, William and Alvin Staffen. Also numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and her many other relatives and friends. The Funeral Service was held Thursday, September 8th at St. Stanislaus Church in Ituna with Pastor Dave Taylor officiating. The organist, Geri Miller and vocalist, Alisa Tataryn led in the singing of the hymns, "Amazing Grace", "Nearer My God to Thee" and "Old Rugged Cross". Special Music, "In The Garden" was sung by Donna Reinheimer. The eulogy was shared by Jim Weber. Serving as honourary pallbearers were all Elsie's grandchildren. The interment followed in the Govan Town Cemetery with Ken Delgren, Brian Belanger, Ron Chan, Alex Elash, Keith Thomas, Justin Doherty, Garth Charko, Jerry Staffen and Gary Rokosh serving as the casket bearers. Funeral arrangements were in care of Bailey's Funeral Home. Service Information Sunday, September 11th, 2011 11:00am, St. Stanislaus Roman Catholic Church Interment Details