Obituary of Elma Agnes MacDonald ROLLO (nee Cole)

August 5, 1932 - Gainsborough, Saskatchewan
January 14, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

Elma Rollo of Calgary, AB, passed away on Thursday, January 14, 2021 at the age of 88 years.

Elma was born in Gainsborough, SK on August 5, 1932. She loved the prairie landscape and would live in Winnipeg, Melita and California before settling in Calgary in 1967.  Farm life taught her to work hard, to be loyal to family, kind to neighbours and to look for ways to quietly help others. In adulthood these values made her a remarkable mother of five children while she worked full time in a successful nursing career. While in Winnipeg she was chosen to train for a new medical unit at the St. Boniface Hospital. It was called Intensive Care. Later in Calgary she became Director of Care for Cedars Villa. She consistently displayed courage, honour and humility. Her life reflected many decisions that were made by considering what would be best for others.

Elma is survived by her children, Jean Morrison (Barry), Bill MacDonald (Yue), Barb Brasselaar (Roy), Doug MacDonald (Andrea) and Colin MacDonald; eight grandchildren, Steve, Sean, Siam, Matthew, Grace and Claire MacDonald and Jillian and Thomas Morrison. Elma was delighted to have her first great-grandchild, Jude William MacDonald. She is also survived by her sister Gertrude Bedford (Ron).

Elma was predeceased by her sister Lorna Riddell (Cole) and her brothers, William, John and James Cole and Allan Burke.

By example, Elma taught us how to live. In the words of her sister “the world (and our lives) were better because of her”.

Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Elma’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

In living memory of Elma Rollo, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.