Elsie (Grieger) Regehr

Elsie was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba to Rudolf and Mathilda Grieger, the eldest of three daughters (Sina Fiks of Winnipeg and Naomi (Walter) Dueck of Stoney Creek ON). She lived all of her early life in Winnipeg and gave her life to Jesus as a teenager and was baptised in 1950 at age 16, outdoors at Birds Hill Park and became a member of Elmwood MB church in Winnipeg. Elsie graduated from high school and then attended business college before taking employment as a bookkeeper first at CO-OP Implements and then General Motors Acceptance Corporation (GMAC). She attended Bible school at Pacific Bible Institute in Fresno California for a year and then enrolled at Mennonite Brethren Bible College in Winnipeg. It was while attending MBBC that she met the love of her life John. They were married on August 26, 1961, exactly 60 years to the day before her passing. Together they had four children Tim (Michele) of Abbotsford BC, James (BettyAnn) of Canora SK, Ron (Kathy) of Lethbridge AB, Janice, (Jonathan) Bartley of Petawawa ON. They were blessed with 8 grand-children: Sara (Jason) Ho, Greg (Alana), Peter, Stasi, Nathaniel, Nic (Rachel), Karley (Dominic) Guthrie, and Brayden and 2 great- grandchildren Evaya, and Noah.

In 1966 the family moved to Carman, MB where John began his practice as a medical doctor. Elsie was a stay-at-home mom who took much pleasure in providing a Godly, caring home for her family. There was always room at the table and always plenty of wonderful food. She loved gardening and took special satisfaction when the yard won “Yard of the Month” recognition for the town of Carman. Elsie devoted her time to her family supporting the various activities they were involved in at school and in church. She volunteered her services in church as a Pioneer Girls club leader, leader in ladies fellowship, Sunday school teacher, choir, and various other things. As the children grew up and attended school, she took an active part in their education and extra-curricular activities. Music was a big part of her life and she enjoyed playing piano at home as the family played their various instruments. She lent her administrative and organizational skills to the school by serving as president of the Band Booster Association supporting the school band programs. She made many lifelong friends in Carman and enjoyed their fellowship and support, remembering those good memories often in her senior years

Elsie loved to travel. She enjoyed many family camping trips to the Alberta Rockies and many outings to local lakes etc. The family took two major trips: first, a 6 week driving trip from Manitoba to California with many sight seeing stops along the way; and second, a medical missions trip to the Dominican Republic. Later there were trips to Hawaii, Alaska, Europe, the USA, across Canada, and of course to visit family.

In later years Elsie and John moved to Calgary, Alberta. Gardening and yard work were still important parts of her life as well as frequent trips to the mountains. It was while living in Calgary that Elsie suffered a cardiac arrest and underwent open-heart surgery. The operation was successful and God granted her 6 more years with us. With her changing health and John’s decision to retire from Medicine, the decision was made to relocate to Abbotsford, BC and live on an acreage with Tim and Michele. Her health began to fail again but she was granted one more grace from God. The family decided to celebrate her 60th wedding anniversary on August 20 and 21. At the conclusion of festivities on the 21st at around 10 pm she entered hospital for the last time and went to be with her Lord August 26th. Through the magic of technology, she was able to say goodbye to all of her children, grand-children, great grand-children and sisters. She is predeceased by her mother and father, sister-in law Betty Hildebrand and brothers-in-law Wilfred Fiks and Rudy Regehr.

A Celebration of life will be held September 3, 2021 at Clearbrook MB Church in Abbotsford, BC at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers or other monetary considerations, the family, especially John, so much appreciates and values your on-going care and support.