Obituary of Elsie Marlene Gerber

April 21, 1934 – Saltcoats, Saskatchewan

November 14, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

Our beloved Mom, Grandma and Great-Grandma left us after a lengthy illness. She leaves behind her five children Maureen Pyper (Roy), Dale Gerber (Sharon), Bruce Gerber (Shelley), Donna Bauer (Butch), and Kevin Gerber (Joanne). Also mourning her loss are her beloved and loving grandchildren Lisa Challes (Peter), Ryan Gerber (Alicia), Jenna Reid (Jay), Justin Pyper (Heather), Steve Pyper (Leanne), Sean Pyper (Jenn), Scott Gerber (Kelley), Robin Gerber (Kira), Juliane Bartman (Catlin), Adam Gerber (Ashley) and Hayley Gerber (Kory). To her delight she was also blessed with several great grandchildren – Elijah, Kyla, Cameron, Charlotte, Ava, Josh, Noah, Adalyn, Cole, Kian, Finn, Brooklyn, and Joel.

In addition to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, she leaves one sister, Lois Pederson of Camrose, brother-in-law Ray Gerber, sisters-in-law Doreen Gerber and Eileen Gerber of Calgary, as well as her dear life-long friend Doris Harris.

She was predeceased by her beloved sister Velma O’Reilly in September 2021 and her beloved brother-in-law Yogi O’Reilly in January 2021.

Just six weeks ago her husband of 69 years, Art, passed away after a short illness. Mom and Dad were inseparable until then and we find peace in knowing they will once again be together. They were the foundation of our family and will be forever missed.

Mom was the ultimate homemaker, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was selfless and loved us beyond measure. When we married, she welcomed our spouses as her children and loved them as she loved all of us. Having five kids was a handful but she always put us first. She especially loved babies and children, and her gentle nature was most evident when caring for them. She lovingly helped us all with our babies, her grandchildren, and celebrated their successes with us as they grew up. They all loved time with Grandma and couldn’t wait to gather for her delicious meals and especially her ginger snaps. She was welcoming, kind, and compassionate. Everyone felt comfortable and welcome in our home and this was due to Mom’s generosity.  In addition to excelling at cooking, baking, sewing, knitting, gardening and all else domestic, she worked outside of the home but was especially rewarded by being a teachers’ assistant at a preschool for many years.

We extend our gratitude to the many caregivers and to Dr. Spengler of Walden Heights Care Centre who have so lovingly cared for Mom for the last 5 ½ years.

Family was Mom and Dad’s most cherished treasure and they passed that view onto us. As we continue to gather, we will be grateful for each other and for the gift of family. May they rest in peace together.