Jan.1, 1922 – Aug. 17, 2021
Elsie Radford passed away peacefully in her sleep, the morning of August 17, 2021 at the age of 99. She had spent an enjoyable evening with her daughter Lois Keller watching old British TV shows and sharing memories.
She was born to Clarence & Florence Slee at Hjorth Rd., Surrey, BC on January 1, 1922. She was the only girl with 4 brothers. Her early years were spent with her brothers and her mom cleaning the elementary & high school There was never time for idle hands as her mom taught her to cook, to sew her own clothes, to knit, crochet and embroidery.
At the age of 18, she married the love of her life, Carl Radford on August 30, 1940. They raised seven children, 3 girls and 4 boys. She lost Carl in 1986.
Elsie was kept busy raising her children as Carl often worked away for a week to a month at a time. She hardly ever complained, but she had a firm hand raising us. She was very involved in her church and her community. Elsie’s church and her love of God held a very large part of her heart. The Women’s Institute was another one of her groups. She was a proud lifetime member. Elsie also belonged to the Royal Purple, and many school groups. For a few years she was camp cook at the head of Adams Lake for the Holdings Lumber Company. Her baking was always a favorite.
Mom had many hobbies that kept her busy once we had all left home. Gardening was her favorite. She always had massive flowers beds and vegetable gardens wherever she lived. Even at the Yellowhead Pioneer Residence she had her potted flowers growing outside her door. She loved sewing. She made most of her own clothes as well as her daughters. She could look at a picture in a magazine and make an outfit to match. Knitting, crewel embroidery, and copper work were some of her hobbies that she won many ribbons for in fall fairs. She enjoyed her oil painting, though she had lost the sight in one eye, it didn’t slow her down, she still had a canvas on her easel on the day she passed. One of her most enjoyable hobbies was visiting with family and friends. She loved it when anyone would stop by for a visit.
Elsie was predeceased by her husband Carl, her brothers and sister-in-laws, George(Nina), Fred(Marie), Jim(Ella), and sister-in-law Helen. By her daughter and son-in-law Phyllis(Abe Heinrichs), her son and daughter-in-law Bruce(Shawn) and her daughter-in-law(Beverly), her grandson-in-law Mike.
She is survived by her brother Donald of Surrey, BC, her daughter Sylvia(Norman)of Southport, Eng., her son Lawrence(Karen) of Hedley, BC, her son Bernie of Truro, Nova Scotia, her daughter Lois(Charles) of Squam Bay, BC, her son Tom(Heather) of Alberton, Prince Edward Island.
She is survived by her 17 grandchildren, Richard(Sarah), Joanne(David), Lisa(Roland), Sara, Rebecca, Adette(Paul), Tamara, Shannon(Jay), Wayne(Megan), Ray(Darlene), Reece(Candace), Sadie(Jason), Suzen(James), Mark(Crystal), Tom(Kelsey), Annastasia, Matthew, and Trevor & Joanna who will always be part of our family.
37 great-grandchildren, Heidi, Saul, Dominic, Hugh, Jemima, William, Victoria, Grace, Catherine, Alexander, Katherine, Isaac, Levi, Jaci, Luke, Conner, Lincoln, Deric, Ryleigh( Jen ), Alec, Jocelyn, Gage, Jasper, Audrey, Phoebe, Cole, Acadiana, Sienna, Brendan, Paige, Selina, Cody, Ryan(Julianna), Desirae, Dominic, Aspen, Willow, & Jasper.
4 step great-grandson Colton(Brian), Tyler, Nicholas, and Tanner & numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Elsie’s family was her pride and joy. She tried hard to always be there whenever any of us needed her.
She was greatly loved and admired by family and friends.
A celebration of life will be held September 25th, 2021 at 2:00pm, at the United Church in Barriere. Covid allowing.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or the BC Cancer Society.
Offer Condolence for the family of Elsie Letitia Radford 1922 – 2021
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Elsie Letitia Radford 1922 –..
Décès pour la Ville: Barriere, Province: Colombie britanique