Elsie Irene Tweeddale Paterson passed away January 23, 2015 at the age of 96 years.
A true pioneer of the Eagle Valley, Elsie was born on June 23, 1918, in a log house at Solsqua, B.C. Her parents, William and Elizabeth Hollett, immigrants from England, were some of the first settlers in the area.
Our mother lived a full and active life in Salmon Arm for over 80 years. She became a Teacher’s Aid where she enjoyed working for the School District until her retirement at age 65. She was a devoted volunteer with many organizations, particularly the Canadian Cancer Society and the Parkinson Society, and truly believed in giving back to the community.
Maintaining an active lifestyle, Elsie loved to dance, hike the Rockies, cross-country ski and travel the world. During her travels over four continents she met with members of her extended family and new friends that she made along the way. Australia was a favourite destination to visit with her eldest son, Lyle, and his family.
Elsie was predeceased by her parents, her first husband E.A.C. (Gus) Tweeddale in 1969, her sister, Phyllis Thomas in 2004 and her son, Ned Tweeddale in 2005.
Elsie is survived by her loving and dedicated family; husband Gavin Paterson, daughters Judy Birkhiem (Vic) of Salmon Arm, Mary Lougheed of Langley, Cathy Mitchell (Kevin) of Langley and son Lyle (Margaret) of Brisbane, Australia; grandchildren and great grandchildren. Also survived by Gavin’s children; Ralph (Joan) of California, Phillip (Tammy) of Calgary, Ken (Donna) of Salmon Arm, Elaine of Vernon and their children.
Friends and family are invited to attend the celebration of life that will be held when the weather allows easier travel for the distant family. Public notice of the arrangements will be published in April.
Arrangements are in the care of Bowers Funeral Home and Crematorium for cremation with interment to follow in the family plot in Mt. Ida Cemetery.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff at Piccadilly Terrace and Piccadilly Care Centre, her daughter Judy Birkhiem, dear friend Irene Rogers and Dr. Cindy Malinowski, for the wonderful care that our mother received.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Elsie may be made to Parkinson Society British Columbia, Attention: Susan Atkinson, 600 – 890 West Pender Street Vancouver, BC V6C 1J9
Online condolences may be sent to Elsie’s obituary at www.bowersfuneralservice.com