ELSIE MAY MCCANNELL

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ELSIE MAY MCCANNELL Elsie May McCannell, of 88 years, peacefully passed on May 15, 2016 at the Riverview Health Centre - Personal Care Home in Winnipeg surrounded by her loved ones. Elsie is predeceased by her parents (Malcolm and Catherine); sister Margaret of Elva, brother Donald of Melita, nephew Brad of Winnipeg, and long time friend Monica Weymes of Winnipeg. She is survived by her brother John (Frances) of Elva and ten nieces and nephews, Daryle (Jane) of Brandon, Brent (Barb) of Winnipeg, Holly Cumming (Jim) of Winnipeg, Randy (Tammy) of Alida, Karen Strutt (Rick Kilfoyle) of Pierson, Gary (Linda) of Elva, Heather McCutcheon (Rob) of Melita, Tim (JoAnn) of Elva, and Lori Dalziel (Brent) of Melita. She is also fondly remembered by many great-nephews and nieces as well as close friends. Born in 1927 in Elva at Mrs. Mainland's nursing home, Elsie was the third child of Catherine (nee Skelton) and Malcolm. She grew up on the farm five miles from Elva just south of Highway number three. In her early years, Elsie helped her siblings and single mom keep the farm going during some tough farming years. Elsie excelled at sports and playing softball was her passion. She could also be found at many dances in the area, as she loved to dance. Even in her 70s, Elsie was maintaining physical fitness by pursuing yoga and exercise classes at the YMCA. She could do more than just touch her toes; Elsie could place her palms flat on the floor. After high school, Elsie worked at the Elva Store and then left the Elva district in 1949 at the age of 22 to train as a Licensed Practical Nurse at the Manitoba Technical Institute - Central School for Practical Nurses through St. Joseph's Hospital in Winnipeg. She excelled at her nurse's training and was named valedictorian of her graduating class. In 1955, Elsie began her work as LPN at the Winnipeg Municipal Hospital (now Riverview Health Centre, Winnipeg). She nursed for 32 years at the Winnipeg Municipal Hospital most specifically the Princess Elizabeth and retired in 1987. As a nurse she was extremely conscientious, caring, hard working and some might say exacting'. Special memories of Elsie include: going to dances in the good old days', eating ice-milk' and watching carry on' movies, listening to Elsie and Monica's hilarious laughter, taking car trips to the farm, picking raspberries, going to the barn and watching the boys' do their farm chores, taking long walks, eating out with family and friends, listening to travel tales from Mexico, Jamaica, Ireland and Washington, D.C., sharing answers on a cross-word puzzle, and most recently reading Elsie home-town news from The New Era. Elsie felt particularly blessed in having spent most of her life at the Riverview Health Centre-first through her work career and then as she said returning home' to the personal care wing for her final days. The family would like to thank the staff from D1 at Riverview Health Centre - Personal Care Home, who gave Elsie such loving care. Elsie's life will be celebrated at Riverview Health Centre on Thursday May 19 at 6:30 and a family graveside service at Pierson Memorial Cemetery will follow at a later date. Donations may be given to the Riverview Health Centre, One Morley Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, M3L 2P4, or a charity of your choice. Remember Elsie, up to bat, feet planted firm, tight perfect grip, sharp focus, mighty swing, CRACK, home run! As heaven's door opens, let the words play ball' be heard. Family and friends may sign a Book of Condolence at www.glenlawn.ca Glen Lawn Funeral Home 204-982-7550

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 21, 2016