Elma Puzey, 86

Elma Puzey (nee Roe)
age 86
Elma passed away in the Rainy River Extended Care Unit on December 5th, 2006 where she had been a resident since November 2005.
Elma was born in England on January 9, 1920 to Harry and Clara Roe. She was the youngest of 5 children. The family moved to Rainy River in 1929. After war broke out in 1939 Elma joined the RCAF and became a wireless operator stationed in Northern Newfoundland at Signal Hill. She was proud of the boys she brought home and sad about the ones who didn’t make it. Following the war she returned home, working at Calvert’s Drugstore and as a telephone operator upstairs over what is now the Library. Later she traveled all over Canada with her husband Harry, finally settling in Jasper, Alberta. After Harry’s death she returned to her family, living first in Bergland and then in Riverview Apartment in Rainy River until her failing health and eyesight made the move to the extended care necessary.
Her artistic talent surfaced at a young age. She often talked about making dance posters before she was old enough to go to the dances and how brother Eddie got to use her pay – free dance tickets. She was a talented seamstress and ran her own dress shop in Atikokan for a short time. Anyone who knew her was aware of her talent with knitting or crocheting and many babies feet were adorned with her loopy booties (Her pattern!). Painting was her biggest love. After going to Art School, she did commercial art but also oils, pastels, and water colours. She painted the mountains, portraits, wildlife, and commissioned works. While in Jasper she painted all the provincial flowers, in watercolours, selling them in the shop she worked in. Her art is displayed in many corners of the world. When her eyesight failed she had to give up her painting, crocheting and knitting, all the things that brought purpose to her life.
Elma was predeceased by her husband Harry; parents Harry and Clara Roe; siblings Ida Roe, May (Robert) Books, Eric Roe and Eddie (Nellie) Roe.
She is survived by her sister-in-law Rose Roe; special nephew and niece Frank and Carla Books; niece Jean (Ron) Magson; stepdaughter Madeleine (Peter) Elms; 2 grandchildren; several great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews on the Roe side.
Cremation has taken place.
A memorial service was held at the Royal Canadian Legion Major Hughes Branch on Monday, December 11, 2006 at 2 p.m.
Lay Pastor Carolyn Kreger will officiate.
If friends so desire in memoriam donations may be made to the Rainy River Hospital, 115 Fourth Street, Rainy River, Ontario, P0W 1L0 or the charity of your choice, c/o the Rainy River Funeral Home, P.O. Box 694, Rainy River, Ontario, P0W 1L0.