Elva LUDGATE

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LUDGATE: Elva Jean Ludgate (nee Hammond) passed away peacefully on December 27, 2019, at the Boissevain Health Centre at the age of 77. Elva is survived by her four children Jacki, Ed (Tannis), Shawna, and Heather (Michael), her sister Dawn, sister-in-law Margaret, grandchildren Erika (Dalton), Sarah (Thomas), Zoe and Liam, great-grandchildren Owen, Ronnie, and Harper, as well as a niece and several nephews. Elva is predeceased by her father Edwin, husband Robert (Bob), mother-in-law Mary, stepfather Roy, brother-in-law Rhoi, mother Mildred and brother Brian. Elva was born in Brandon, Manitoba, on November 4, 1942 to Ed and Mildred Hammond. She began her schooling in Ninga School where she stayed with her 7 Hicks cousins until her family returned to Ninga for the winter. After a house fire in Ninga, Elva’s family moved to the Brownlea District permanently. Elva attended Hiawatha School until Brownlea School was established in 1953. She finished her schooling at St. Michaels Academy in Brandon. Elva then moved to Roblin, Manitoba, where she worked for Manitoba Telephone System as a telephone operator. On June 9, 1962, Elva married Bob Ludgate and they moved to the Ludgate farm on the edge of Boissevain where they started a family.  After Elva's children were all in school, she began working for Home Care. Elva's children remember all of the clothes she made as she was a talented seamstress. She created dresses, Hallowe'en costumes, skating outfits, and parkas to name a few. Later, Elva designed beautiful quilts for her children and grandchildren. She finished many of her quilts lovingly hand-stitching patterns into pattern blocks. Every Christmas she would make pyjama bottoms for her family including all of her great nieces and nephews. Her instructions were always the same: 'Check for pins!' They referred to these treasured pj's as their 'Auntie Elva's'. Community was very important to Elva. She served as president for the Legion Ladies Auxiliary, a member for the Ag Society, and of the Boissevain Chapter of the IODE. Elva was also very involved in St. Paul’s United Church and the UCW. Elva looked forward to every get-together with the Brownlea Good Neighbours. They had much fun visiting and enjoying good food. She also served as Tawny Owl for several years with the Brownies and was a Cub leader in her younger years. When a 4-H leader was needed, Elva stepped up and taught sewing for the Boissevain Home and Hobby Club. While involved in the community, she ran kids to skating, hockey and other clubs and activities that her children were involved. Elva was an avid sports fan. She loved to watch curling and hockey...especially if her grandchildren or great nephews or nieces were playing. During the NBA championships last year, Elva joined many Canadians by becoming a fan and watched every game. In her younger days, Elva curled and cross-country skied. At age 45, Elva took on a new sport: Downhill skiing! She loved the thrill of the rush! Elva loved travelling and made her way across 10 countries and four continents. She never thought she would ever see the Sphinx at the Giza Pyramids or the solemn dignity of Vimy Ridge. Elva and sister Dawn went on many adventures together. Elva would talk to everyone and anyone on her travels. Dawn recalls when she started a conversation with the guard at the Buckingham Palace. There were many occasions where Elva would meet someone she knew thousands of miles away from home. After a while, her family came to accept this unique gift. Elva was also known for her road trips west to visit her grandkids. A packed suitcase and gas in a car headed west was all she needed to set out. Of all of the travelling Elva was fortunate enough to do, there was one trip that topped them all!  In March 2012 Elva took her 4 children, 4 grandchildren and son-in-law to Disney World.  She was so proud to be able to take her family on this once in a lifetime trip and it was evident in her giggles on every ride and adventure. Elva cherished her friends and loved to meet with them for coffee or a meal. During get-togethers there was always lively conversation and many of life's woes battled. Elva's friends would often refer to her as 'the walking Blue Book' for her unique ability to know and understand family connections. Elva's friends will now need to bring their Blue Books with them to coffee. Elva was known as someone who faced whatever life handed her head on. She was especially brave and courageous during her battle with cancer. Elva never complained about her lot in life and chose to instead to embrace the time she had creating memories with family and friends. Elva will be dearly missed. A funeral for Elva was held at St. Paul's United Church followed by interment at Boissevain Cemetery on January 2, 2020.  In lieu of flowers please send donations to The Boissevain & Morton Foundation, P.O. Box 1075, Boissevain, MB, R0K 0E0.

As published in Brandon Sun on Feb 22, 2020