Elvie June English (née Gordon) born in Red Deer Alberta just a few years ago, passed away January 26th 2021. Mom was predeceased by her husband Bob, her brother Glenn, step brother Sonny, her two sisters Gwenfil and Lois, her son Guy, and grandchildren Bradley, Laura and Jennifer. Mourning her loss are her children Judy (Nels), Don (Brenda) and Brad (Linda), grandchildren Michelle, Nicole, Genee, Daniel, Sjolin, Cody, Justin, Dawn and Alex, and great grandchildren Gabriel, Sheaya, Alivia, Rhyker, Quillan and Saoirse. She is also survived by sister-in-law Marj English. Mom bragged about her grandchildren and great grandchildren daily.

Raised in Red Deer, Mom moved to Edmonton after high school and attended Nursing School at the Royal Alexandra Hospital, becoming a registered nurse. Mom met dad, Bob, in Edmonton. They married in July, 1948 and were wed for 48 years. The family enjoyed the cabin at Hubbles Lake as the boys grew up. Mom was a go getter and became the Head Nurse of her shift on the ER ward. Not being one to sit much, Mom left nursing to teach in the Alberta Vocational College Nursing Aide program, and became the Principal of the program. While working there, she completed her B.A.(Psychology) degree. 

After Mom retired, she had more time to enjoy her grandchildren and later great grandchildren. They all looked forward to the CARE packages Mom would send, filled with fun games, mind twisters, toys and the odd loonie or toonie, at various times throughout the year. As proud as mom was of being a grandmother and great grandmother, she did not want to be called gramma, but Michelle and Bradley initially called her gramma. When Jennifer was born, Mom was teaching her to say “gramma” or “Elvie.” Jennifer said “Awie.“ The name “Awie” was mom’s new moniker after that day. 

Mom and her sisters, who came up from the United States, looked forward to trips to the west coast to visit their mother, “Mannie.” Mom enjoyed shopping and could not resist a good sale. As a result, she had more kitchen gadgets than any chef. Mom loved to cross stitch and crochet and did some beautiful work. Mom also volunteered at the Cross Cancer Institute for some time. She always looked forward to Canadian Club dinners and seeing her close friends, Fern and Larry Fjerwold along with many other retired co workers and classmates. 

Interested in current affairs and well read, mom was a news hound. She was very bright and once bragged about answering every question correctly on one episode of Jeopardy.  Mom loved going to live theatre with Judy and she loved concerts at the Winspear. She truly enjoyed the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra performances, and Fringing was a summer favorite.

When you visited her, she insisted on making a home cooked meal.  Mom was always positive and truly loved by anyone she met. Mom will be missed by all of her family and friends. 

Rest in peace, mom. We sure love you.

If you wish, donations in memory of mom can be made to:

• The Winspear Centre or The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra at Support | Winspear Centre
• The Edmonton Fringe at Fringe With Us All Year Long – Fringe Theatre Adventures (z2systems.com)
• The Stollery Children’s Foundation at Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation (www.stollerykids.com)