Elsie Thurber

Elsie Thurber

March 2, 1944 – April 25, 2020

Elsie Adeline Thurber (Ens) age 76 of Lumsden, SK, passed away peacefully on April 25, 2020 in the home of her youngest daughter due to complications related to COPD. In the final weeks of her life, from this loving place, she was able connect with the rest of her family by FaceTime and WhatsApp as they all shared their love through stories, poems and songs.

Elsie was born on March 2, 1944 in Swift Current, SK to the late John and Elizabeth Ens (Klassen) and is now reunited with the love of her life, Garry Wayne Thurber who passed away in 2014.

Elsie will be dearly missed, but lovingly remembered by her children, Michelle and David Lane, Rhonda Thurber and Paul Dunn and Kim and Gerry Lehmann. Elsie’s grandchildren brought her great joy and she will always have a place in the hearts of Jen (John), Jeremy, Megan, Rebecca (Sean), Daniel, Dakota, Roxanne (Cory), and Danielle. Her most beautiful blessings, 7 great-grandchildren, Camryn, Carter, Adeline, Everly, Athena, Vera and Vanya, the youngest just born on Elsie’s last birthday.  Three sisters, Verna and Pat Dailey, Annabelle Kalina, Linda Ens and her brother Frank Ens, Brother and Sister in-law Jack and Gail Thurber, Bill Thurber and Del Windrum as well as many nieces and nephews also survive her.

Elsie loved nature and the simplistic serenity it provided to her. She truly appreciated the beauty of all God’s gifts as she enjoyed her walks along the berm in Lumsden, the sandy beaches of Candle Lake and the beautiful shores of Salt Spring Island. Elsie and Garry spent some of the happiest years of their life together in these extraordinary places.

Together for more than 50 years, they resided and raised their family in Prince Albert, SK, where for much of that time, Elsie worked as a receptionist for Dr. Reg Martsinkew.  During the summers they were always drawn to the campgrounds of Minowukaw Beach and there for many of those years, they owned and operated Uncle Jack’s Cabins. It was during these years in PA and at the lake that many lifelong friendships and memories were made for all of the family.

Elsie loved reading, knitting, baking and bird watching. She always enjoyed a beautiful pot of portulaca and pansies and she always felt like they were smiling at her.  Family and friends hold many fond memories of her homemade soup, served up with delicious melt in your mouth buns and her butter tarts were like no others.

Elsie was gentle and kind and always took time to express her gratitude for all that she had and experienced. She in turn shared what she had with others, like a great book, always freely passing it on.

She often dreamt about owning a rooster and two chickens. She was especially fond of owls and chickadees too and although she never got to have the chickens in her yard, her love for birds, manifested itself into a collection of artwork and keepsakes that will stay with her family as treasured memories. Like the birds Elsie loved, you would often hear her singing or humming “Oh, what a beautiful morning” and “You are my sunshine” as she went about her day.

Elsie’s family would like to thank a very special person at this time.  Over the last 5 1/2 years, Cheryl Ashurst, the Manager and support worker from The Lumsden Park Manor where Elsie lived was an invaluable friend and support to Mom. We will never forget the kindness and care she always showed all of us.   As well, thank you all the doctors, nurses and staff up front and behind the scenes, who guided us and assisted with Elsie’s care over the last two months in both Saskatoon and Regina.  


Just as the Covid pandemic has changed the lives for all of us, it changed our last days with our mom and the way in which we will commemorate her life. Until we can gather to celebrate this wonderful woman, we ask that you honour her by supporting a local business – buy some wonderful bread from a bakery, a beautiful pot of flowers from a greenhouse or a great book from your local bookstore. 

Arrangements entrusted to DALMENY FUNERAL HOME 306-254-2022.