Elsa Redman
October 5, 1932 — November 8, 2015
Elsa (Elsie) Gena Redman (Palmer) was born on October 5, 1932, to Frank and Mary Palmer. She was delivered at home (Sec. 22, Tp. 33, Rge. 8, W. 2) by midwife Mrs. Crannage. Elsie was their first child and in years to come would be joined by Bud, born in 1934, Earl (1937), Ray (1939), Elaine (1946) and Albert (1948).
Elsie attended Mason School until grade 8, when the family moved to Invermay. She helped her mother and her Grandmother Olsen during the war years. She met Edwin Julius Redman in 1949 and they were married on October 15, 1950, at Moe-Concordia Lutheran Church in Margo. Edwin's mother, Augusta made Elsie's wedding gown.
In 1951, Edwin and Elsie moved to Sudbury, where Ed worked in the mine and Elsie cleaned boarding houses and baby-sat. They returned to Saskatchewan later that year and moved to the Redman farm, where they helped work. Their first child, Ronald James, was born on August 2, 1952; then, a couple years later, Loretta Elaine was born in 1954.
Ed and Elsie moved back to Sudbury in 1957, along with Clara and Gordon Olsen and their two children, in a 1950 Meteor. They stayed at a lake for a few days and the eight took turns sleeping in the car until they were able to rent an apartment at Standishes' in Creighton.
On September 8, 1964, their second daughter, Beverley May, was born. Their second son, Collin Wade, was born on July 10, 1970.
In 1972, Ed and Elsie re-located to Hudson Bay, where they stayed briefly with Mike and Elaine Tumak until they bought a house in Erwood. The Erwood house was previously a store, so they rented the front to missionary sisters and raised chickens in the garage. Later that year, Ed and Elsie moved to Creighton, where Ed worked in the mines. They later purchased a house in Flin Flon, then again in Creighton.
When Ed retired, they moved to Kuroki, then a few years later to Invermay, where they resided with their daughter Loretta. Later, they purchased a home in Invermay and continued to reside there until they moved into a duplex. In 2013, they moved to the seniors' duplexes in Humboldt.
In 2011 Elsie was diagnosed with bladder cancer and underwent surgery. Shortly thereafter, she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease. Edwin looked after Elsie until she was moved into the nursing home in Humboldt and eventually to Watson Care Home, where she settled in quite well.
On November 1, 2015, Elsie's health took a turn and she lapsed into a coma. She was sent to Humboldt then to Saskatoon but was unable to recover, so was transferred to Humboldt Hospital and stayed there until she passed away. Her sister Elaine (Mike), daughters Loretta and Beverley and niece Lorry-ann were by her side.
Elsie loved to go to bingo, play cards, bake and garden. She was an admirer of fine jewellery and ornaments. She enjoyed farm life and animals. She and Ed raised budgies, Chihuahuas and eventually rabbits for the children's and grandchildren's enjoyment.
Elsie was a very out-going person, willing to offer advice whenever someone was willing to ask or listen. She spent the winter months crocheting afghans and pillows for the family. Elsie enjoyed old-time and country gospel music and would accompany Ed as he played with the Hiway 5 Band in nursing homes and various social gatherings. Occasionally, she would take time to sit at home and play the keyboard or listen to cassettes, records or the radio. She also loved old-time dancing, so the hands of children (and eventually grandchildren and great-grandchildren) were held as they stood on her feet in an effort to learn the steps.
Elsie did her devotions and Bible reading before bedtime. She made many guests welcome and strangers quickly became friends with a cup of coffee, some homemade baking or meals at the right time.
Elsie was predeceased by her parents, Frank and Mary Palmer; brother Ray in 1988; son Ronald (2007); nephew Melvin and brother Bud in 2014.
Left to mourn her passing is Edwin, her loving husband of 65 years; her daughters, Loretta and Beverley; son Collin; siblings, Bud (Carol), Earl (Linda), Elaine (Mike Tumak), and Albert (Jo Anne); sister-in-law Gloria; grandchildren, Kevin, Candance, Steven, Paul, Joey (Chantele), Lorry-ann (Jamie), Elizabeth (Ryan), Rebecca, William, Brittany, Tamara and Andrew, 12 great-grandchildren, four nieces, six nephews; as well as many cousins, great-nieces and great-nephews.
She will be missed by everyone who was directly or indirectly involved in her life. Her memory will live on in photographs and stories for generations to come.