Elsie Thera

Obituary for
Elsie (Strykiwski) Thera
1937-2024
 

Elsie was born on June 12, 1937, to Ethel (née Pshebnesky) and Michael Strykiwski Winnipegosis, MB. She grew up in Fork River, MB, and Erwood, SK, as part of a bustling household with five brothers and two sisters. Tragically, her mother passed away when Elsie was just 14, prompting her to leave school to assist her father in caring for her younger siblings. After her father remarried, Elsie moved to Arborfield, SK, to live with her sister, Pauline, and Pauline's husband, Ernie. In Arborfield, she resumed her
education and successfully graduated.
 

After graduation she found employment in Benito, MB at the Toronto Dominion Bank, where she met Jerome Thera and were married on November 27, 1958, in Benito, MB. Elsie and Jerome were blessed with 3 children Gerri-Lynn born 1960 in Benito, MB, Pamela Janet born 1961 in Flin Flon, MB and Trevor Michael born in 1971 in Kamsack, SK. Jerome worked for the CN, as a result were transferred a lot resulting in several moves, Wabowden, Flin Flon, Ericksdale, Norquay and Kamsack.
 

In Kamsack, Elsie and Jerome built a home where they spent many cherished years raising their children; this period was among the happiest times of Elsie’s life. She often spoke fondly of her neighbors and colleagues, and she took great pride in her role both at home and at the TD Bank, where she worked. As an exceptional homemaker, Elsie delighted in the details of domestic life, from meticulously maintaining her home to ironing sheets with care. She was also a gifted cook, known for her delicious perogies,
cabbage rolls, and homemade donuts. Elsie's creativity extended to sewing costumes for local skating carnivals and hosting gatherings, where she enjoyed bringing together friends and neighbors for cocktails
 

Elsie and Jerome experienced several more relocations over the years. When Jerome's parents decided to retire from their farm in Alpine, MB, Jerome left his job at CN Rail to take over the family farm. Elsie secured employment at the TD Bank in Benito and took up curling, although she often reminisced about her fulfilling life in Kamsack and found the transition to farm life challenging but rewarding. Nevertheless, they embraced this new chapter, making new friends and settling into their roles as farmers until they retired.
 

After leaving the farm, they moved briefly to Winnipeg, then to Dauphin, where they managed a motel for several years before purchasing a retirement home. Eventually, Elsie and Jerome settled in a condo in Swan River, and later moved to the Roblin Residence in 2019. Sadly, Jerome's health declined due to dementia, and he passed away in 2021. During this difficult time, Elsie found solace in the companionship of her neighbor, Armand Lucier, who became a close friend and confidant, bringing new
joy into her life.
 

However, in 2023, Elsie's health suddenly deteriorated, requiring surgery. While recovering, she suffered another heartbreaking loss when her youngest sister, Vera, from Saskatoon passed away unexpectedly. Deeply affected by Verna's death, Elsie never fully regained her health, leading to a prolonged stay in Roblin Hospital. Armand remained a steadfast visitor, a support for which the family is deeply grateful. Eventually, Elsie moved to the Swan Valley Lodge, where, regrettably, she passed away after just a month.

Elsie passed away April 15, 2024, at the age of 86 at the Swan River Valley Hospital, she was the last surviving sibling of her large family. Elsie was a beautiful, kind, gentle, quiet lady. Took pride in her gardening, how she dressed, loved fashion, shoes, and shopping. Jerome often remarked to her and others on how taken he was with how she dressed and her natural elegance. She cherished her grandchildren and great grandchildren via numerous facetimes, family BBQ’s and photos which made her
smile and laugh.
 

Left to cherish her memories are daughters Gerri Vestby (Mark) Roblin, MB, Pamela Janet Greig (Kevin) Swan River, MB, and son Trevor Thera (Adele) Edmonton, AB, grandchildren Derek Chez, Tyler Chez, Eli Chez, Griffin Vestby, Jillian Bosse, Brendon Thera, Kenzie Sequin and Talin Thera, as well as, great-grandchildren Brooklyn Vestby, Taylor Chez, Morgan Chez, Blake Chez, Paige Chez, Oscar Bosse, Hughe Bosse, and also, sisters-in-law Margie Fulton, Judy Cox and Gwen Palmer, brothers-in-law Ken
Kort and Wally Reilkoff.
 

Elsie was predeceased by her parents, stepmother Dora, her loving husband Jerome, brothers John, Alexander, Tony, Sam, Harry and Walter, her sisters Pauline Sawchyn and Verna Reilkoff, and great grandson Archie Bosse.
 

A family memorial will be held July 20, 2024, at the home of Pam and Kevin Greig in Swan River.
 

Should friends desire, donations in memory of Elsie can be made to the Alzheimer Society Unit 10 120 Donald Street, Winnipeg, Mb R3C 4G2

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