Elsie Ellen Anderson

     Elsie Ellen (Gordey) Anderson, daughter of John & Mary (Popowich) Gordey was born on July 29, 1929 in Edmonton, Alberta Canada. She received her early education there and after graduating from high school she attended Alberta College in Edmonton. A highlight of her childhood years was spending the summers at her grandparents’ farm near the village of Willingdon in central Alberta. She would fondly recall the memories of fun times spent with her cousins and sharing in the daily farm chores.

     Elsie married Leonard Anderson on August 19, 1950 in Edmonton. Following their marriage they settled on the Anderson family farm one mile north of Royal where she and Leonard farmed for many years. They had three girls – Valorie, Laurie and Mary Ann. Their home overflowed with love and music and many happy memories were made over the years.

      Elsie was an active member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Royal where she had been baptized. She belonged to a church circle Bible study group and taught Sunday School for many years. She was also a member of the Silver Maple Rebekah Lodge of Royal, the SPARK Amateur Radio Club and a local birthday club.

   Elsie enjoyed sewing and gardening. She was also an excellent cook and baker. Her pies were a family favorite. In keeping with the tradition of her Ukrainian heritage, holiday dinners would always include a roaster full of Holopchi (cabbage rolls) and in recent years this cooking project became a family event, with everyone learning the art of rolling cabbage. But most of all, Elsie treasured the traditional Sunday gathering of family and especially the time spent with her grandchildren and great-granddaughter.

     Elsie passed away on Friday, October 12 surrounded by her children. She was preceded in death by her husband Leonard on August 14, 2009; by her parents, her sister, Sadie, two brothers, Ernie and Peter, and a nephew, Noel, all of Canada; and her son-in-law, Robert Van Ampting and grandson, Marcus Van Ampting of Spencer.

     Left to cherish her memory are three daughters: Valorie Van Ampting, Laurie (Don) Conlon and Mary Ann (Gordon) Quail; five grandchildren: Jason, Lisa, Nathan, Adam and Josh; and great-granddaughter, Aaliyah; other relatives and many friends.

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