Elsie Selander

The family of Elsie Ellen Selander, age 90, sadly announce her passing on July 5,2023 at the Meadows – House 1, Swift Current, SK. Elsie was born on November 23, 1932 to Samuel & Ruth Corey at Beverly, SK.

Mom was a lifetime member of the Fraternal order of Eagles. She worked in the food and beverage industry, including the Horseshoe Lodge, Skyline Hotel, and the Fraternal order of Eagles lounge. For a short stint, she was a noon supervisor at O.M. Irwin School — the kids at the school always called her “Lorretta,” because she reminded them of Lorretta Lynn.

As Mom struggled with multiple health issues, losing her sight was the hardest to deal with. She suffered a time of depression due to this, but realized feeling sorry for herself was not going to help. She improvised the best she could through moments of frustration. She had a wonderful knack for gardening and yard work. As her sight continued to fail over several years she still tried to cook and garden to the best of her ability. Her love of gardening was passed on to all three of her children, who were the light of her life. At times she worked three jobs to provide, we never went hungry and always had a roof over our heads. She also made the best darn butter tarts you ever tasted, and I don't think any of us kids could duplicate the taste.

Everyone who knew Mom always wondered how she could pile that red hair so high, and I am sure that people often thought there could be horns growing under there when she got mad. There was never a chance of those horns emerging because they could never get through all that hairspray.

She had several pet birds, from canaries to love birds, and talking to the robins was a spring time ritual. Mom's love of animals never showed up till later in life. She never allowed animals in the house when we were growing up except for the hamster she let us keep on the kitchen counter. Dogs became the soft spot of her heart, and she would encourage them to lay on her bed and share a yogurt or ice cream spoon.

Elsie is survived by her children and their families, her daughter, Judy (Dan) Barber, and their children Chris, Camie, and Jay; her daughter, Gail (George) Weinbender, and stepchildren, Kevin, Curtis and Jacqui; her son, Marty (Jennifer) Heron, and their children, Jenna, Tyanna, Sammy, and Julia, and step-granddaughter, Alyssa; her six great-grandchildren; and by her sister, Charlotte Maalerud.

Elsie was predeceased by her parents, Samuel & Ruth Corey; her brothers, Tom Corey, Ernie Corey, and Rob Corey; her sister, Delice Hochlander; her sisters-in-law, Marjorie Corey and Irene Corey; and by her brothers-in-law, Wally Hochlander and Bert Donaldson.

The family would like to thank the staff at Meadows House 1 for the wonderful and compassionate care they gave to Mom during her stay.

The Celebration of Life for Elsie Selander was held on Wednesday, July 12, 2023 at 2:00 pm from First United Church, Swift Current, SK with Rev. Annette Taylor officiating. Prerecorded music, “Amazing Grace” and “How Great Thou Art,” by Susan Boyle was played. Tributes were given by Gail Weinbender and Dan Barber. The ushers in the church were Bonnie Donaldson and Barry Williams.

A photo tribute was played prior to and following the service and is available to view below, as is the service card.

The Private Interment Service was held following the service from Mount Pleasant Burial Park, Swift Current, SK with Andrew Donaldson, Robbie Donaldson, Kelly Parsons, and Curtis Weinbender serving as Pallbearers.

In memory of Elsie Selander, donations made to the Meadows Auxiliary would be appreciated by the family.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Elsie Selander, please visit our floral store.