Obituary of Elsie Barrett

After 30 years, 4 months and 8 days our mom’s greatest wish has come true – she is finally back in the arms of her Ronnie. Although we are heartbroken that we no longer have her with us, we are at peace knowing she is back with our dad. 

Elsie was the loving and devoted wife of the late Ronald “Ron” Barrett.  Loving, affectionate and proud mother of Greg Barrett (Jackie) and Marla Barrett (Don Middleton). Proud grandmother of Temeara and Gavan Barrett and Allan (Sydney) and Wylie Middleton.  Proud Nana, “partner in crime” and best friend of Cambrie Middleton. Affectionate great grandmother of Hadley, Genevieve, Reece and baby Middleton (due on Elsie’s birthday).  Predeceased by her parents John and Mary Gawant, her in-laws Ray and Lena Barrett, her grandparents Anna and Fred Dowbenka and her sister Audrey Gawant. Protective big sister of Janice Filice (Anthony) and Fred Gawant (Judy).  Cherished aunt of Sam, Katie (Frank), Toni (Matt), Eric (Sarah), Charissa (Jordan), Terry (Frances) and Judy (John) and great aunt to their children. Sister by heart of Amelia and Gerry Deplonty.

Elsie was born in Sault Ste. Marie and raised in Bay View.  Her Baba played a huge role in raising Elsie and in turn Elsie took care of her until she passed away. Elsie was in her teens when Janice and Freddy were born. Elsie loved her younger siblings, helped raise them, protected them and loved them fiercely to the day she passed.

In 1963, Elsie graduated from St. Mary’s School of Nursing at the General Hospital in Sault Ste. Marie.  During nursing school, she met Violet Krmpotich who would become her lifelong friend. In 1964, she met her Ronnie and married him 6 months later.  Their family grew to include Greg and Marla. Elsie worked initially as a registered nurse at the General Hospital.  She took time off to raise her family and ended her career working night shift at Tendercare Nursing home. Elsie was a respected RN and was known at Tendercare for her sense of humour and love of playing jokes on her co-workers.  She developed friendships with many of her co-workers that lasted throughout her retirement.

Elsie and Ron were a match made in heaven.  They loved each other with their whole being and did everything together. They took pride in building their dream camp at Horseshoe Bay which they finished in 1993. They planned to spend their retirement there, unfortunately, that did not happen as Ron died on June 23, 1995.  When Ron passed, he took half of Elsie’s heart with him.  She continued to enjoy going to camp with Marla and her family, took trips and hung out with her bestie Adele Ogden, made perogies and cabbage rolls at St. Mary’s Ukrainian Church and spent hours with Cambrie whether it be babysitting her, driving her to after school activities, going on trips to Michigan or just plain spoiling her.  But none of us could replace her Ronnie.  That is why we know she is happy that her wish has finally come true.

Greg and Marla would like to thank Dr. Sarah White, the staff of Extendicare Maple View and especially the staff of the Goulais Bay ward for their care of Elsie, the compassion that they showed to us, our family and our mom over the last few difficult weeks and for being the caring type of healthcare worker that our mom was in her nursing career.

We would also like to thank the Emergency Staff at SAH, the staff of 3 C and Dr. Gonzalez for caring so much about our mom, the people of Sault Ste. Marie and working so hard to meet their medical needs.

At Elsie’s request, a private service and celebration was held. Memorial donations to the Sault Ste. Marie Soup Kitchen Community Centre would be greatly appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to Northwood Funeral Home Cremation and Reception Centre (942 Great Northern Rd, 705-945-7758).

In the words of our mom “boxa, boxa”.