Elva Ruth Kocher

She was born on June 3rd, 1927 in Sarnia to Leonard and Rita Law. Elva married Gordon Kocher in 1946 and lived in Drayton, where they tended their farm. The couple then moved to Guelph and raised their boisterous family of 5 children. When her children were all in school, Elva found work at Rockwell Manufacturing as a gas meter assembler for over 20 years and later at the University of Guelph as a janitor. Once retired, Elva and Gordon enjoyed a slower pace in the country when they moved to Bracebridge and built their dream home. Gordon passed a few years later, but Elva remained in their home for the next 20 years.

Elva was the first official time-keeper for the Novice (Paperweight) Division of the Guelph Minor Hockey Association – the only female time-keeper in Canada at this time. She volunteered within this role for nearly 50 years. Later on, she also sponsored a Minor Hockey Team for over 45 years, by donating jerseys and representing the Kocher family by distributing medals and an annual Trophy. Elva received a Diploma from Conestoga College in Supervisory Studies in 1982. In her spare time, Elva enjoyed attending symphonies, sewing and baking, visiting family and friends and having hearty debates. Throughout her life, she volunteered her time to various causes, including the Mother’s Auxillary of the Guelph Minor Hockey Association and the Legion. She was a devout Catholic and lector at mass and a member of the Catholic Women’s League for 75 years.

Elva was an independent soul who had a fiery and determined spirit and a heart of gold. She always ensured that those around her were safe, protected and loved. She was always up for adventure, which often landed her in a pickle. She was the kind of person you could instantly feel connected to and hold a conversation with like you had known each other for years. She shone brightly wherever she went and this light will be forever missed by those who knew her.

Elva is survived by her children Peter (Anna), John (Sherry Pedersen), Len (Mary), Marianne and Robert; her grand-children Lisa (Adam Ostriyznick), Jessica O’Connor (Elliot), Katrina, Kurt (Kyla) and Sofia; and, her great-grandchildren Cara, Logan and Scarlet. She was preceded in death by her husband Gordon of 52 years.

The family deeply thanks the caregivers of Cambridge Country Manor for the care and support they provided.

The family is hosting a celebration of life on Saturday, October 3rd at the Guelph Country Club from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM located at 133 Woodlawn Road E, Guelph, ON.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or the Alzheimer Society of Canada.