Earl – Elsie Irene
November 13, 1916 – September 29, 2006
It is with love and deep sorrow that the family announce the passing of Elsie Earl at the George Boyack Care Centre in Calgary. Elsie was born in Gleichen, Alberta and raised in the Buffalo Hills area. She was the second daughter of Frank and Mary McInenly and grew up on their homestead on Arrowwood Creek. When she was a teenager, her mother became ill and she quit school to stay home to look after the family. Elsie married Victor Earl in 1938 and they stayed in the Arrowwood area until the spring of 1944 when the family, which by then included five children, moved to a farm at Blackie. In the fall of that year they moved to the Corner Store and Service Station where they lived for many years. During those years Victor got his mechanic’s license and their youngest daughter was born. In 1952 the family moved to a larger home in Vulcan and during the next few years Elsie and Victor had two more sons. Elsie had many friends in Vulcan, attended St. Andrews Catholic Church and was a member of the Catholic Women’s League.
Elsie was very busy looking after her large family but was always willing to help friends and extended family when needed. There was always a place at the table for anyone who stopped by near mealtime. Her children’s friends still comment about how they were always welcome at that somewhat chaotic household. By 1970 the older children were married and Elsie and Victor moved to Calgary with their two youngest sons. Once they reached retirement age, Elsie and Victor became very active with many seniors organizations in Calgary and still kept in touch with old friends in the County of Vulcan. They enjoyed cards, dinners and pancake breakfasts but especially their dancing.
Elsie is survived by her loving husband of 68 years Victor and her children Frances (Don) Jeandron of Burnaby, BC, Richard (Barbara) Earl of Calgary, Albert (Dianna) Earl of Alabama, Charlotte (Howard) Brinton of Edmonton, Gwen (Bill) Fox of Black Diamond, Gordon (Denise) Earl of Medicine Hat, Carl (Pat) Earl of Crossfield and son-in-law Jack McFadden of Ensign. Elsie was a loving grandmother to 20 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild. Each new addition to the family was reason for celebration and great joy. She is also survived by her sister Teresa McColman, sisters-in-law Gene McInenly, Kay McInenly, Violet Ginn and Elsie Earl.
Two great sorrows in Elsie’s life were the unexpected passing of her grandson Kevin Fox in 1991 and her oldest daughter Irene McFadden in 2000. The strength she showed in handling her sorrow and grief was amazing. She was also predeceased by her brothers Martin McInenly and Percy McInenly and her youngest sister Agnes Hoerle.
Visitation and prayers were held Wednesday October 4, 2006 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Calgary. Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church at Vulcan on Thursday October 5, 2006 and internment followed at the Vulcan Cemetery.
If so desired, Memorial Tributes may be made in Elsie’s memory to Confederation Park Tea and Conversation Program 2212-13 St. N.W. Calgary T2M 4P7.
Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Directors. Telephone 1-403-485-2633. E-mail condolences to vulcanfuneralhome@hotmail.com.