Tribute

ELSIE MARY BRAITHWAITE (LLOYD)

Mum was born in Moosomin, Saskatchewan August 10, 1927. At the age of three she relocated with her parents and four siblings to Duncan, BC.

When Mum left school in grade 12, she went to work as a secretary for H. W. Dickie. Later, she would work for The Department of Indian Affairs. They were located on the second floor in the Old Post Office building (City Hall). It was here that she worked with her lifelong friend, Ramona Williams.

In May of 1949, she married Gordon Braithwaite and together they raised a family of five girls and two boys. Today that family has grown to include 23 grandchildren, 44 great- grandchildren and 1 great – great grandchild.

Together, Mum and Dad created an environment where everyone felt welcome. We could all arrive with extras in tow and know that it was never an imposition.

In 1970, Dad’s work with MacMillan-Bloedel took them to Ucluelet and then in 1973 to Port Alberni, where they stayed until Dad’s retirement in 1990 – when Mum and Dad moved to the Lighthouse area, north of Qualicum Beach.

Mum and Dad were very proud of their children – Kerrie Jellema (Wim), Judy Hill, Shannon VanWormer, Lyle Braithwaite (Marilyn), Faye Davidson (Ken), Erin Keizer (John) and Daryl Braithwaite (Annie).

Mum was predeceased by Gordie in 2015, Grandson Lloyd Hill in 1985 and son in-law Bill VanWormer in 2016. Predeceased also by her parents Joseph and Ada Lloyd and siblings Dorothy Jordan, Jennie Mayea, Leslie Lloyd and Evelyn Parks.

Great Grandson Adam Hill had this to say about his “Greatma”

It’s a roller coaster of emotions and that’s a part of the grieving process. We’re all going to feel sad because it’s a huge loss for our family. But at the same time, we should remember Greatma for who she was and her influence on each and everyone of our lives. And while her leaving this world is a sad event, it should make us all feel human to feel this sad now, as if we felt something good before. It’s like, it makes us feel alive. So I guess you could say it’s a beautiful sadness that we’re all feeling. I’m going to remember Greatma for the woman who opened her doors and arms for her friends and family. I’m going to remember the woman who always put a smile on my face and who made me feel loved and accepted for the person I am today. I know her and Greatpa are together again and they’re smiling down on their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchild and they’ve each found eternal peace.

Mum passed peacefully on June 4, 2024. In her final days she was surrounded by her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandson. All supported by caring partners and friends. She was loved.

Mum’s wish was to be in her home on the ocean until the end. Two daughters Kerrie and Shannon made that possible by being available daily. She spent the last week being well cared for by the staff at Nanaimo General Hospital.

Many thanks to the Palliative Care Staff for their excellent care during Mum’s final days.

A Celebration of Life will be held, at the Christian Reform Church, 930 Trunk Rd., Duncan B.C., at 1:00 p.m.  Saturday August 24, 2024