Our wonderful mother died at 100 (“and a half!”) years of age on July 1, 2016 at Maison Vale Hospice, surrounded by the love of her three daughters, after a life well lived on her own terms. Elsie was a strong and independent woman of simple, honest values, taking great joy in the first robin of spring, the first crocus peeking through the snow, the wild flowers growing in the ditches where she took her daily walk, and her beautiful gardens. She was a true lover and protector of nature. Mom’s philosophy included the beliefs that it is better to give than to receive and that one should leave the world a better place than one found it. She loved her family fiercely, and was well loved in return.
Elsie was the loving mother of Anne (Archie) MacMillan of Calabogie, Susan (Bruce) Cardinal of Sudbury, and Mary (Jim) Volk of Grimsby. She was very proud of her granddaughters Lynn (Peter) MacDonald of Toronto and Andrea (Josh) McKenna of Barrie and she took great pleasure in her four great grandchildren Jack and Poppy MacDonald and Nathan and Lauren McKenna. She is also survived by two siblings, Dorothy Gillin and Herb Wilkins. She was predeceased by her loving husband Jim Oliver in 1986, and by her siblings Jessie Alton, Herb Wilkins (in infancy), Lou Weaver, Gladys Carlaw, Harry Wilkins, and Charlie Wilkins.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all those who helped her maintain her independence and live in her own home until the end, especially to Heather Pilon, who was a cherished friend and Elsie’s “little helper”. We would also like to acknowledge the caring staff at HSN and the Maison Vale Hospice who, with great compassion and care, helped her on her journey.
We invite those who have shared in Elsie’s life to join the family Celebration of Life on Thursday, July 28 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Anderson Farm Museum in Lively. Words of remembrance are most welcome.
To honour Elsie’s memory, quietly do something kind for someone less fortunate than yourself, and expect nothing in return.
My apologies for the errors. The message should say “home-baked treats” and “won a game”. I’m not sure Mrs. Oliver would have approved of autocorrect.
Sion Jennings
July 12, 2016
I remember Mrs. Oliver as a friend who made my mother welcome to this country. We played scrabble in the afternoons and there was always a home asked treat to go with the game. I don’t believe I ever one a game. Jim was also around on those afternoons and I remember the smell of his pipe as the game went on.
I also remember expeditions in mid-summer throughout the Lively area looking for wildflowers to press.
Goodbye and thanks for making us welcome. Thinking of Anne, Susan and Mary.
Sin Jennings
July 12, 2016
I will always treasure the time spent with Mom and Dad (Grace & Harry Wilkins) visiting Aunt Elsie and hearing the many stories and memories Aunt Elsie and Dad shared about their childhood together in Paisley. These stories always made us laugh and brought smiles to Aunt Elsie and Dad’s faces.
I will never forget Aunt Elsie telling us how we should always put our own groceries away. She explained to us how she once thought she was cooking beans on the stove, but as someone else had put her groceries away for her, she found she was cooking popcorn. What a surprise she had ?. Aunt Elsie always had a wonderful sense of humour and a joke to tell.
I am sad that I am unable to attend the service as I have had recent hip surgery, however we are all thinking of you at this difficult time. Pat and Gordon Miskie and family.
July 9, 2016
Truly a life well lived. I always enjoyed and was heartened by stories told by Mary about her mom. Simple pleasures and simple living within one’s means and on one’s own terms are things I learned from the many stories shared.
Good wishes and condolences to all of the Oliver family.
Naomi
July 5, 2016
So sorry to hear about your mother. She sounds like quite an exceptional lady. I wish I had a chance to have met her. Thinking of you at this time.
Cathy Carr
July 5, 2016
Sorry to hear about your mother passing. You had mention that you are becoming like your mother she seems to have been quite a lady I wish that I had met her. My condolence to you and your family. Louise Henri
July 4, 2016
My condolences on the loss of your mother Susan to you and your family. I know you were always so proud of her for her independence. God Bless!
Maria Guilbault
July 4, 2016
Elsie was a woman I have admired since first meeting her. She was a very independent soul that lived life the way it is to be lived on “her own terms”. She faced any adversity that was dealt to her with courage and determination and always beat the odds. She has a legacy of three very independent and talented daughters that she loved. She will be missed by all that knew her.
July 4, 2016
I met your mom at the library in Lively. A kind, soft spoken gal, she always seemed to be a positive soul. Sending my condolences to Susan and the entire family.
Marilyn knoll
July 4, 2016
So sad to lose a beautiful soul like Elsie. She did indeed give a lot more to the world than she took and led a long and productive live giving so much joy to so many. I will always remember her with great fondness and miss having her in my world.
July 4, 2016
What an amazing life she must have lived! Though I never knew her, I would have loved to chat with her regarding all the events that she witnessed over her 100 years of life!
My most sincere condolences to Susan and her family. My thoughts are with you in this time of sadness!
July 3, 2016
Although I did not know your mother, she must have been a wonderful mother. I draw this conclusion from time I have spent with her daughter, Sue Cardinal. Her achievement as a mother is a great accomplishment in itself. Few people live to be 100. She must have been living a healthy lifestyle. My deepest sympathies to you, Sue and your family. May the memories of your mother/grandmother be sweet and sustain you all your life.
July 3, 2016
Our condolences on the passing of your mom. We are thinking of you Mary, and your family, at this difficult time. Peace.
July 3, 2016
Every time I see and smell a wild rose I will think of you.
Every time I hear a robin sing I will think of you..
Elsie was the best person I knew and lived her life thinking of everyone before herself, she loved her family and was proud of all their accomplishments.
Sleep peacefully Elsie.
July 3, 2016
Although I never met her, I feel that I know her well from my friendship with Mary, especially, and Anne. The picture reminds me so much of Mary in many ways. She had a wonderful life with a very loving and supportive family. My sincere condolences on your great loss, but it is rewarding to know that she lived on her own until very near the end and that her death was so very peaceful.
July 3, 2016
So sorry to hear about your Mom, my thoughts are with you…
July 3, 2016
While I may not have known your mother, I have come to know the three strong, wonderful daughters that she raised. I know your hearts are heavy now, but hope that you take strength from the legacy of family that she leaves behind. My condolences on your loss. Hugs from Sharon Bourque
July 3, 2016
I’m happy to hear she has left this world surrounded by her loving family. It sounds like she has given a brave and beautiful example of how to lead a good life even in her passing. I will do my best to honour your request in celebration of her life. Hugs to you all.
July 3, 2016