ELSIE MARIE DOWHAN

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ELSIE MARIE DOWHAN

Elsie Marie Dowhan (nee Skwarok) of Parksville, BC, and formerly of Rapid City, Manitoba, born June 29, 1936 passed away on Saturday, November 29, 2025.

Elsie is survived by her daughters, Lynn (Craig), Debbie, Patty (Alan); her grandchildren, Brandi, Abbey (Shay), William (Liz), Carver (Krista), Cole (Stephanie), Josie-Lynn, and Andrew (Paige) and her great-grandchildren, Eva, Paisley, Oscar, Milo, Harriet, Maddox, Kacey and Lyla. She was predeceased by her husband Steve; her son Stephen and her granddaughter Mila.

Elsie was born in Teulon, Manitoba to Josie (nee Smigelski) and Kaspar Skwarok. She attended elementary school just down the road from the farm and then girls school in Teulon until Kaspar pulled her out when he discovered she was being mistreated by the teachers. She completed secretary school in Winnipeg where she lived and worked. Her best friend Marni took her to a baseball game in Gimli where she was introduced to Steve and the romance bloomed. Steve and Elsie were married in Winnipeg Beach, moved to the Dowhan family farm at Gimli and lived in his mother's house for several years before Steve built them a house across the yard. Elsie was an extraordinary gardener as well as a fantastic cook. She always had the biggest vegetable garden that included the most beautiful flowers especially gladiolas. Steve and Elsie moved to Rapid City, Manitoba in 1969 when they sold the farm and bought the Rapid City Queen's Hotel. Elsie easily and quickly immersed herself in the community making many life long friends. She became a Legion member and was always volunteering. When they sold the hotel, they moved across the street into a home on the lake. Elsie designed a bungalow with a massive fireplace! Elsie also continued decorating cakes for anyone who needed one for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings or any special occasion.

Elsie worked for H & R Block in Brandon, completing many courses and filing income tax returns. Steve and Elsie joined The Rivers Ukrainian Society and worked bingos, travelled to sing in the choir on the steps of the Manitoba Legislature and recorded a Ukrainian song album. She also worked as head cook in Rivers Hospital kitchen. She was always busy.

But her greatest joy were her children and grandchildren. She always said 'nobody has kids like mine.' But we all agreed nobody had parents like ours. All her grandchildren have many memories of pancakes, snow castles, playing downstairs and generally knowing they were loved. Elsie and Steve were also very involved in Rapid City Amazing Race events. She continued her love for gardening. Her hanging purple flower baskets were stunningly beautiful.

When Elsie's children moved west to Oceanside on Vancouver Island, she moved to Parkville, BC to be near them. There were many road trips exploring the island and she was always ready for an adventure. We were so blessed to have had her nearby. She is missed.

A memorial service and burial for Elsie will take place on Saturday, August 22 at 11:00 am at Rapid City Cemetery, Rapid City, Manitoba. Lunch will follow at Rapid City Community Hall.

In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to Alzheimer Research or Royal Canadian Legion.

As published in Brandon Sun on Aug 08, 2026