Elsie (Bowditch) Garland

Elsie Garland, age 95, of Swift Current and formerly of Success, passed away into her Lord's loving arms at the Meadows, Swift Current, SK on Thursday, December 24, 2019. Elsie May Garland was born on April 3, 1924 — the youngest child of Tom & Mabel Bowditch at Success, SK and an unexpected twin with Gordon. She attended school in Success and lived there most of her life. She would have liked to have been able to become a teacher, but that didn't happen.

Elsie met Edgar Garland, an Ontario native, at a community dance while he was working for his uncle on their farm south of Success. Edgar had been out west on a harvest excursion and liked this part of the country, and now a pretty, young miss entered the picture. They were married on June 1, 1948. They lived on their own farm where they raised grains, cattle, pigs, and chickens. There were many years of hard work but they both did what it took to keep going. Elsie had a few short-term elevator helpers board with them, as well as relatives needing room as they prepared themselves for employment in the area.

Once Elsie had seen their wedding cake decorated, she was interested in trying her skills at that. She decorated both her girls wedding cakes and many more wedding and shower cakes for the community. Elsie took up crocheting in later years and porcelain doll making. Elsie enjoyed and was good at cooking and baking. There wasn't a magazine or cookbook in her sight that wasn't looked over very carefully in case a recipe caught her interest. She drove truck at harvest time and had a hot meal ready for suppertime.

Elsie was a bit of a social butterfly throughout her life, enjoying many activities. Elsie belonged to Home Makers that later evolved into Women's Institute. She was a leader in Brownies, Girl Guides and Success/Cantuar 4-H Club. She was a member of Order of Eastern Star in Pennant and SC, Job's Daughters in Swift Current, the Success Birthday Club, and Thursday morning Slimmettes, which later became Thursday morning Coffee Group. Elsie was a member of St. John's in Pennant and St. Stephen's Anglican Church in Swift Current, and also part of ACW for many years.

Elsie & Edgar attended and traveled to many square dances over the years. Elsie loved curling whether it was skipping her own team, watching at the rink, or later on TV. She always delighted in having a big garden and when that wasn't possible, she turned her vegetable garden into a massive flower garden. She also loved a game of golf and bowling. They were great tour guides for SW SK when they had visitors. Elsie & Edgar were also great, always available, babysitters for all their grandchildren.

Elsie & Edgar did a lot of travelling over the years to Hawaii, Australia, cruised the Panama Canal, England, Europe, and of course to Ontario to visit family. They wintered in Mesa, AZ for fifteen winters. Elsie & Edgar left the farm and moved into a condo in Swift Current for thirteen years, then into the Bentley.

Edgar's passing in 2011 was a loss that never left her — they had been married for over 62 years. She stayed active playing cards, bingo, bridge, and other social activities. Later, after a couple of falls, Elsie moved into Cypress House for a year and then into the Meadows for her last months.

She always had a special twinkle in her eye when she saw her family or friends come through the door for a visit, as if she alone had won a lottery.

Elsie is survived by her daughters, Linda (Glenn) Stewart (Swift Current, SK) and Peggy (Bill) Stirton (Kauai, Hawaii); her four grandchildren, Shayne (Kristie) Stewart (Stewart Valley, SK), Kristi (Marc) Schwartz (Swift Current, SK), Brianna Stirton (Saskatoon, SK), and Sean Stirton (Saskatoon, SK); her five great-grandchildren, Logan and Lauren Stewart, and Payten, Carly, and Brinkley Schwartz; her sisters-in-law,  Jean Bowditch (Success, SK) and Shirley Garland (Walkerton, ON); a few remaining cousins; and by many nieces and nephews.

Elsie was predeceased by her husband of over 62 years, Edgar Garland; her parents Thomas & Mabel Bowditch; her parents-in-law, Wm (Mary, Hattie and Amy) Garland; her brothers, Tommy (Elsie), Charlie, Walter (Jean, Nanette), and Gordon (Joan); her sister Milleta (Bill) Medforth; her brothers-in-law, Art (Christine) Garland and Don Garland; her niece, Elsie May Fadish; her nephew, Melvin Bowditch; and by many aunts and uncles in Canada and England.

The Funeral Service for Elsie Garland was held on Saturday, January 18, 2020 at 2:00 pm from St. Stephen’s Anglican Church, Swift Current, SK with Rev. Chris Dowdeswell officiating. “Great is Thy Faithfulness,” “One Day At a Time,” “Amazing Grace,” and “How Great Thou Art” were sung by the congregation. The Scripture reading was given by Brianna Stirton. The tributes were given by Shayne Stewart and Kristi Schwartz.

The Private Family Interment Service was held prior to the Funeral Service from Memory Gardens Cemetery, Swift Current, SK with Elsie’s family — Glenn, Bill, Shayne, Sean, Marc, Logan, and Payten — serving as Pallbearers. Elsie is laid to rest beside her beloved Edgar.

In memory of Elsie Garland, donations made to St. Stephen’s Memorial Fund (108 2nd Ave. NE, Swift Current, SK, S9H 2C7), the Dr. Noble Irwin Healthcare Foundation (2051 Saskatchewan Drive, Swift Current, SK, S9H 0X6), and the Success Community Hall (Box 111, Success, SK, S0N 2R0) would be appreciated by the family.

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