Obituary of Elsie Cunningham

Elsie Cunningham 1933 - 2009 It is said that a person’s life can be measured by what they have done with their lives and who they have touched along the way. Mom had left her own distinct mark on this earth by giving her family, and others, the very best of herself without complaint or the want of recognition. Mom was indeed a woman of quiet determination, unselfish in her ways and having strong values that have strengthened us as individuals. This is how we will remember her, forever. In looking back at mom’s life, we can clearly see those qualities in her. Raised on a farm in Revelstoke, BC, being the fourth of six children and growing up during difficult times, Mom’s family needed to work together to make ends meet. Her father Ludvig, would often have to take on an outside job leaving her mother and the family to run the farm. Each child had their chores and the responsibility of seeing the family through some of the most difficult of times. Even though the times were hard, there was much love and laughter that filled their small farmhouse. When each child left to start a life of their own, mom and her siblings would gather together, with their own families at that small farmhouse in Revelstoke. These are the memories that we hold very dear – mom and dad would load us up at night in the back of the station wagon, in sleeping bags, "Gravol” induced we suspect, to make the long trip to Revelstoke. Similar events created the memories that we hold dear, showing us that family was family, and that’s what mattered. Mom wasn’t always a mom, and actually had a life before us, whether we like to believe it or not. She was described as a girl that had a quiet demeanor, full of hopes for the future in becoming a nurse. She had an infectious giggle and was well known for it. One of her sisters told us recently, that whenever there were chores to be done, like gathering firewood, not much would be accomplished if a mom got a case of the giggles. After graduating from high school, mother went into nursing and graduated as an RN. She worked in the Terrace hospital where she had an altercation with a certain RCMP officer that was smoking next to an oxygen tank. That verbal dressing down resulted in mom and dad getting married two years later. Mom gave up the career which she loved, in order to raise a family. Sharlain came first, then Julie, Patti and finally Bryan. This all happened within four years. There was not enough time in the day with such things as diaper changes, feeding, laundry, housecleaning and shopping. However, mom did it! How she managed, still remains a mystery to us. But she did it because it needed to be done, and she did so with quiet determination. We as adults, looking back at our time with her as children, can now fully appreciate the things she did to ensure that we didn’t go without. One of those ways was to sew and knit our clothing so that we would have the same latest fashions other children were wearing. There were many nights we can recall spending time with mom sewing us dresses, and showing us how to knit and sew. Patience was another one of mother’s qualities – why some of us didn’t end up sewing our fingers together is yet another mystery... We like to think that we were mom’s centre of everything that matters, and to a large degree, we actually were. She was always there for us – we could count on her to listen to our problems, help us when we needed it, and was a part of our extra curricular activities growing up. With us getting older, mom expanded her own interests - crocheting, paper tole, pottery, and gardening. Later in life, she started to paint but she wouldn’t show her work to anyone because she didn’t believe her work was good enough for others to see. We found those pictures mom, and yes, they are more than good enough. There was more to knowing our mother that a lot of people did not see. One point was her way of helping others. We as children can recall teenagers from a juvenile detention centre coming home for dinners, and we actually took one with us on one summer vacation. Mom would often set extra plates for Christmas dinner and Dad would invite those who they knew were alone during the holidays to visit. We do know that our parents give a helping hand to a few people that couldn’t afford to eat, donating to the community at large, like the Chetwynd Hospital. In these ways and many more, mom was a support to many in her lifetime. Mom saw our dad through three periods of cancer and the awful treatments that went with it. Although it was a very difficult time for her, she looked beyond her own needs, and was a support to him throughout his battle with the disease. Even after his passing, she was a comfort to the rest of the family, showing us that love, unselfishness and family are what truly matters. Mom, we know what you have done for us and the sacrifices you have made. It was so hard to see you suffer and not be able to say the things you wanted to say, but we did hear the voice from your heart. Thank you for all that you have done – and know in your own quiet and determined way, you have accomplished very much. We love you dearly and you will be with us forever. Be with God. Elsie is predeceased by her husband Ray Cunningham, her sister Irma Grace and brother-in-law Phillip Breck. Elsie leaves to mourn: her children Sharlain Riley (Darcy Caragata), Julie Cunningham (Richard Matheson), Patti Berlinger (David Fawcett), and Bryan (Teresa) Cunningham. Also her grandchildren; Brian (Leaha), Shane, Ken (Crystal), Aaron (Pearlita), Jason (Sara) as well as 8 great-grandchildren. Her siblings Hans (Gwen) Hansen, Greta (Ray) Speerbrecker, Louise Breck, Karen "Jo” (George) Rohatynsky and brother-in-law Frank Grace. Elsie passed away on December 20, 2009 in Dawson Creek, British Columbia 76 years of age. She was born on April 30, 1933 in Revelstoke, British Columbia. She was cremated and a memorial service was held in honor of Elsie on December 29, 2009 at the Chetwynd Baptist Fellowship Church in Chetwynd, British Columbia. Pastor Bill Evans officiated.