Elva Ellen Rioux

Elva passed away on 31 December after a brief illness. Her journey was peaceful and comfortable in palliative care in Gillis House Care Home in Merritt, B.C.

Predeceased by her parents Christian and Hazel Rasmussen, her first husband Carl Wade Jensen, her second husband Alyre Rioux, her four sisters (Annie, Pearl, Marion and Helen), her brother Clarence and her youngest son, Wade Jr. She is survived by her son Gregory, daughter-in-law Sylvia, daughters Ellen, Ann, Faye, step-daughter Debbie, nieces and nephews (to whom she was known as "Tante" - Aunt in Danish), several grandchildren and great-grand-children. Elva was a long-time resident of New Denmark and moved to B.C. in 2015 where she lived briefly with her daughter Faye (estranged). She moved into the Nicola Meadows Assisted Living residence where she very much enjoyed the activities and amenities until her move to Gillis House. Elva was very proud of her Danish heritage with links to Jutland (the Rasmussens) and Copenhagen (the Jensens). She loved to attend the 19th of June celebrations and wearing her Danish folk costume on this special day. She was also a member of the Red Hat Society and very much enjoyed the Society periodic gatherings.

Like all of her forebears, Elva was a hard worker. In addition to helping her Husband C. Wade Jensen in the New Denmark Post Office, she went back to school at 38 and studied to become a Practical Nurse and was subsequently hired by the Grand Falls Hospital where she worked for 20 years. Patients were very fond of her and she was in her element as a care-giver. She was also a strong supporter of Veterans causes and was a long-term member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 21 serving in a number of Branch executive posts and committees over the years.

Elva`s remains will be returning "home" to New Denmark to be buried in Maple Grove Cemetery with her two husbands and her son Wade in May at a date to be determined.

~

Do Not Stand at my grave and weep,

I am not there: I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow,

I am the diamond glints on snow,

I am the sun on ripened grain,

I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the morning`s hush,

I am the swift uplifting hush,

Of quiet birds in circling flight.

I am the soft starlight at night.

Do not stand by my grave and cry,

I am not there; I did not die.

Mary Elizabeth Fry, 1932