TARRAS
Elsie Elizabeth
(Nov. 24, 1924 - May 25, 2009)
lt is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Elsie Elizabeth Tarras (Siebert) on May 25, 2009.
Elsie was born on November 24, 1924 in Stuts–man County, Jim River Valley, North Dakota to farming parents, Peter and Elizabeth Siebert. She had two brothers, Clifford and Harold. Elsie’s mother died when Elsie was just three months old, leaving her to endure a difficult childhood. These circumstances, however, were to define her character as one of strength, dignity, and perseverance.
At the age of 21, Elsie left farm life and moved to Saskatchewan, and then to Chilliwack, where she met and married Jim Tarras and settled down to start a family of her own. Brad was her first child, followed by John, Mark, and Gord. Elsie faced the challenges of raising her boys with dedication; she was a devoted mother, and taught her boys many life skills in her gentle way.
Elsie is survived by all four boys and their families: Brad and Karen (Brie, Kirsten, Cole, and Alex) of Calgary, John and Lynda (Stefan) of Victoria, Mark and Eleanor (Shawna and Brittany), and Gord and Liz (Jeff and Andrea/Keegan) of Chilliwack, as well as three great-grandsons (Keegan, Cole, and Case).
ln 1965, Elsie began working at the Chilliwack General Hospital.During her younger years, she spent many weekends with her friend Dora on road trips or attending dances in Vancouver.
Elsie retired in 1985 from the hospital to look after her grandchildren. Elsie’s grandchildren were the centre of her universe, and they all spent many happy hours in her company: enjoying sleepovers, baking and decorating cookies, or making her famous cabbage rolls and homemade doughnuts. Elsie also kept busy knitting, gardening, and canning. Elsie was proud of her boys and happiest when she was with family. She continued to enjoy family gatherings even after her arthritis and osteoporosis made it difficult to go out.
She will be deeply missed in the future, but we will continue to remember her with great love, and we will cherish the happy memories she has left us. Elsie faced the end of her life with acceptance, courage, and the knowledge that she would be with her Creator and her mother in Heaven.
A Memorial Service celebrating her life was held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2009 at Henderson’s Funeral Home in Chilliwack. ln lieu of flowers, donations to Chilliwack Hospice would be appreciated.
Special thanks go to Dr. Heather Leyen and to the wonderful staff at Cascade Manor/Lodge. Your support and care is greatly appreciated.
Online condolences can be left at www.hendersonsfunerals.com