Elsie Pugh (nee Torhjelm) passed away peacefully April 9, 2024 in Victoria, BC.
Elsie was the daughter of Conrad Torhjelm, whose family emigrated from Sweden in 1902, and Frances Fay Rodgers. Elsie was born in Powell River, and in her earliest years, lived in Campbell River, Royston, Meeting Creek (Alberta) and Ladysmith. After her father returned from WWII, Elsie moved with her family to Victoria. She was predeceased by her siblings Berna, Grace, Sonia and Charles.
Elsie was a strong, principled individual with an adventurous spirit and someone who enjoyed fun. She was a devout Christian who served in a variety of ways in the church communities she was involved with over the years. Elsie traveled for mission work to Mexico, Ireland (x2), South Africa, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. She traveled for pleasure and personal interest to Israel, Quebec, Banff, Chicago and various other destinations. Elsie enjoyed continuing education and took courses for seniors at UVIC to advance her studies in French, Swedish and music, especially singing. Elsie loved nature and spent many hours riding her bike all over Victoria and the Saanich Penninsula with an adventurous trip to Olympic National Park in Washington. She enjoyed sewing quilts, tole painting, various crafting projects, and in earlier years, took up wood working.
Elsie is survived by her children, Arthur, Thomas, Daryl (Marilyn) and Kathryn (Lorne), and predeceased by her daughter Karen Jones. She was proud of her extensive family which includes 17 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren and many extended family members on the island and in Alberta. Elsie was appreciative of a number of long term friends who shared her love for adventure and fun. She was a courageous lady who kept on loving life and people to the end of her long 93+ years.
The family wish to thank the doctors, nurses (Jennifer, Sue, Camille and Eleazar, to name a few) and health care workers (Stacey, Larry, Tom, Ruth and others) who supported Elsie over the last years of her life. Our sincere thanks to Dr. Layne Woodburn who compassionately cared for Elsie during her time in residential care at The Heights in Victoria. Our family is especially grateful for long time family physician, Dr. Michael Jones who was a patient, thorough and caring doctor for our Mom over many years.
A Celebration of Life will be held in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, on Monday, April 29, 2024, at 1:00 pm.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Paula M. Stephenson
I am so glad that Aunty received such great care in her last days and hours. I truly wish that there will be great comfort given to my cousins in this time of great loss. I am so proud of the grace with which she lived her life. It is leaving a great legacy for all of us to follow. May the comfort of the Holy Spirit be with us all. It is so cool that both our Moms are back together.
Love Cousin Paula M. Stephenson (Sonia’s Daughter)