Born in Victoria, B.C. on Sept. 22, 1921, the eldest of five daughters born to Elsie and Alfred Grist. Passed away suddenly at Victoria General Hospital on May 1, 2024 at age the age of 102. Elsie attended Mt. View High School and later worked as a stenographer. She met and married the love of her life “Bob” Saunders. Together they raised three children in Oak Bay. Later they built a house on Lands End Rd. Here, among many activities, Elsie, took up wood carving and joined a group of wood carvers in North Saanich. It became an important part of her life as Elsie was very creative and became quite accomplished at carving.
Elsie and Bob subsequently moved into Sidney. Bob passed away in 1999, but Elsie carried on with many activities including carving. She eventually moved into independent living at Norgarden and moved to West Shore Village in 2018 where she made many friends, always participating in any available activity up until her sudden passing. She is predeceased by husband, Bob Saunders and sister Dorothy L’Heureux. Survived by her children, Lynne Damen (Marvin), Stephen Saunders (Ania) and Clyde Saunders (Penny). Three sisters, three grandchildren and two great grandchildren.