Elsa Wiersema, 72

It is with great sadness, the family of Elsa Wiersema announces her unexpected passing on July 5, 2007.
Elsa was born April 11, 1935 to Eldert & Johanna Romyn in Zwijndrecht, Holland and immigrated to Canada with her family in 1948, settled in Portage La Prairie and later in 1952 moved to the Rainy River district.
Elsa worked in the Emo Hospital and married the love of her life, Louis, November 1 1954. They moved to Atikokan starting a family and later moved to Gameland in early 1960’s where they farmed and the family grew in numbers.  Elsa & Louis moved outside of Rainy River in the early 80’s and then to a home in Rainy River in 2003. 
Elsa is survived by her children, Ed (Colleen) and their sons Jason (Sheila) & Jeff, Ben (Donna) and their sons Andrew & Sean, Diana (Bill) Bourke from Oconee Ill and their children Ashley, Kimberley & Derek, Theresa (Bill) Bousfield from Dryden and their children Julie and Dean, Sandra (Stan) Barton from Calgary and their children Charles & Rebecca, & Les. Also surviving are her three sisters Francine (Jack) from Winnipeg, Alice from Dryden, Irene (John), two brothers John (Patty) & Ben (Marilyn).  Elsa has numerous brother and sister in laws, nieces & nephews who are special to her. 
Elsa is predeceased by her parents, her husband Louie, and brother Harry, her in-laws John & Froukye (parents of Louis), Nick, Harry, Bernie, Doug, Bert, and Thea.
Elsa’s career began at the Emo Red Cross hospital where her bridle party dressed for her wedding.  Elsa put her career on hold to raise her children and later worked at the Rainy River Hospital until she retired. 
Elsa did beautiful handwork with her knitting needles. Many people treasure her keepsakes.  She enjoyed reading, gardening, visiting and most of all her family and grandchildren. Elsa will be sadly missed by all. 

Funeral Services were held on Tuesday, July 10, 2007, 11:00 a.m. at the Christian Reform Church in Emo.  Pallbearers were her grandchildren, Julie Bousfield, Jason Wiersema, Dean Bousfield, Jeff Wiersema, Andrew Wiersema & Sean Wiersema. 
Honorary pallbearers were also her grandchildren Ashley, Kimberley, & Derek Bourke, & Charles & Rebecca Barton. 
In lieu of flowers, should family & friends desire, donations can be made to the Arthritis Society, Diabetes Association or a charity of your choice. 
Love forever, your children.
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