BURT, Elsie
October 17, 1914 - February 5, 2015
Elsie Burt, age 100, passed away peacefully with family by her side the morning of February 5, 2015 at Pincher Creek Alberta. Elsie was born to Jakob and Maria (Mary) Haag at Dennewitz, Bessarabia. Her mother, widowed after Elsie’s birth, later married John Delker. In July 1927 their family of 5 children moved from Gnadenfeld, Bessarabia to Canada to take over a homesteaded farm east of Scapa (Garden Plains). Times were hard during the 30’s and Elsie helped out with the farm chores and milked 6 cows before school. She drove a horse and buggy to school or rode a horse in bad weather. After schooling, Elsie worked off the farm to help support the family, first at the Scapa Store and later at the Hanna Hospital. Elsie married Earl Burt on August 25, 1942 in Hanna while he was on 10-day leave from the army. Earl left immediately to serve three and a half years overseas while Elsie continued work at the hospital until his safe return. In spring of 1946, Earl, Elsie and daughter Sheila moved to the Borel farm six miles north of Craigmyle. This was to be their home for the next 58 years and soon Garry and Diane completed their family. Elsie was a hard working farm wife and mother. She raised chickens and turkeys, sold eggs and cream, picked berries, hoed potatoes, checked cows, helped with the harvest and cared for their beautiful farmhouse and farmyard. She tended four large gardens with fruits, vegetables and flowers and often gave away as much as she kept. She was a wonderful cook and baker and the cookie jar (and candy dish) was always full. Elsie was also a dedicated community worker being a faithful member of the Princeton Ladies Club and a lifetime member of the United Church Women. She could always be counted on to bring lunch or help in any way. Elsie enjoyed the company and friendship of their neighbors over the years with many cups of coffee and good meals served at the kitchen table. Family gatherings at the farm were memorable and Elsie and Earl were also so proud to attend baptisms, confirmations, birthdays, graduations and other family celebrations. Elsie always had a card or small gift for any occasion of best wishes for family or friends. After Earl’s passing in 2004, Elsie moved to the Hanna Manor for 9 years and then to Pincher Creek to be closer to her daughter. She was blessed with good health and a sound mind over the years and remarkably celebrated her 100th birthday in October 2014. Elsie was hard working, generous and independent person and always very much a lady. She faced much adversity and loss in her lifetime but carried on with strength, determination and her faith in the Lord. She appreciated nature, birds and animals and observed the changing skies, weather and seasons. The farm was always “home” to her. She valued her friendships and enjoyed visiting with everyone. She loved us all dearly and gave us a good home and upbringing, leaving wonderful memories of our mother and grandmother. We are now grateful for her eternal rest and reunion with those that have passed on before her. Elsie is lovingly remembered by son Garry Burt (Maria) and children Aaron (Sarah) and their daughter Nadia, Zachary, Christopher, Matthew and Shannon (Dan) Allison and their children Tommy and Ava; daughter Diane Burt Stuckey (Dale) and their children Josh and Katie; sister Mae Weich; granddaughter Carmen (Gary) Schneider and their children Barrett, Carissa and Brandon; granddaughter Carrie (Trevor) Georgsen and their children Riley (Samantha), Tanner and Parker; sister-in-law Violet Delker and brother-in- law Bill Burt. She will also be fondly remembered by her extended family of nieces and nephews and friends and neighbors from the Hanna and Drumheller area. Elsie was predeceased by her mother Mary Delker, father Jakob Haag, step-father John Delker, husband Reinhold Quashnick, husband Earl Burt, daughter Sheila and son-in-law Reid Jorgensen; brothers John, Albert, Alfred and infant sister Annie Delker; grandson Kevin Jorgensen; infant grandson and granddaughter Daniel and Julia Stuckey and many other loved family and friends. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held Saturday, May 9, 2015 at the Craigmyle Historic Church at 2:00 pm with Reverend Leila Currie officiating. If friends so desire, memorial donations can be made to the Craigmyle Historic Society at Site 1B-3: Box 14 Craigmyle T0J 0T0 or a charity of their choice.
