Elsie was the most hospitable lady whom I first met in Spring of 1977 during my temporary posting in Winnipeg for a month with the same engineering company that Elsie worked for as an office administrator. Being young and new to the company/ city/country at the time, (mother Elsie, as she was known by coworkers) took interest and guided my everyday life in a very warm, friendly and helpful constructive way. She would expect me to respond to her queries like: how was the breakfast at the hotel...., did you eat well....., what didn't you like ......, where are you planning to go for lunch..., what time you normally eat dinner..., are you happy where you are staying......, do you miss being home...., etc. She had also invited me and other co-workers at sumptuous dinner few times at her place where I met Valerie and Tyler for the first time. Few years later I met Elsie in Calgary working for the same company but I had switched over to another company. Again, Elsie invited me and other former colleagues to meet her parents for the Ukrainian Christmas celebration feast and what an elaborate feast it was......, I can never forget. The most imprinted memories I have of Elsie is when she was greeting visitors with her perpetual smile in her elegant cowgirl outfit at the Palliser hotel during the Stampede days in 1982. May Almighty rest her soul in peace. Thanks for your kind memories Elsie. You were indeed very unique.
