Obituary of Elsbeth Erdmann

October 8, 1931 – Carbon, Poland

May 12, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Elsbeth Erdmann passed away on Sunday, May 12, 2024, at the age of 93 years, while being held and comforted by her daughter Anita and son-in-law David.

Elsbeth was born on October 8, 1931, in the German community of Carbon, Poland. Her childhood was disrupted by World War II, leading her mother and young siblings to flee on foot to Germany, covering over 800 kilometres to escape the advancing Russian forces. Her father was forcibly conscripted by the Russians and sent to the front lines where he presumably perished.

After the war, she met Edmund Erdmann while they were both still in Germany. Edmund later immigrated to Calgary in 1951 and brought Elsbeth to Canada in 1952. They married on August 9, 1952, and celebrated 60 years of marriage together.

Elsbeth worked hard during the early years of their marriage, including jobs in a greenhouse and at the Palliser Hotel. She even helped her husband with drywalling and plastering houses to save money for their first home.

In 1962 Elsbeth became a full-time mother and homemaker after giving birth to their only child, Anita. Later, she took a full-time job with a large insurance company as their supply manager, ensuring employees had everything they needed.

After retiring, she enjoyed gardening, cooking, baking, and travelling with Edmund and Anita to Hawaii during the winters. These trips were filled with warmth, relaxation, and many beautiful memories. She also loved the drives she took with Anita on the backroads of Alberta for many of Anita's photographic trips.

Elsbeth will be remembered and missed by her daughter Anita, son-in-law David, her nieces and nephews, and her neighbours.

She was predeceased by her parents, Luise and Paul, husband Edmund, sister-in-law Ella, and all her siblings, Rosie, Amanda, Anna, and Ervin.

Funeral Services will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints of Calgary (6560 Silver Springs Crescent NW, Calgary, AB T3B 3R2) on Saturday, May 25, 2024, at 1:00 p.m.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Elsbeth’s family here.

In living memory of Elsbeth Erdmann, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.