Obituary of Elsie May Mills

MILLS: Elsie May (nee Jackson) - A resident of Chatham, Elsie Mills passed away peacefully on Monday July 4, 2016 at the CK Hospice surrounded by family at the age of 89. Born on April 20, 1927 in Tupperville, Elsie was the daughter of the late Margaret and Joseph Jackson . Predeceased by her husband Donald W. Mills (1993). Loving mother of her 4 P’s, daughters Peggy Crozier and Joe DeGroot (Toronto), Penny and Don Morrow (Chatham), Patricia Mills and Derek Nicholson (Toronto) and Pam and Brian Hall (Chatham). Cherished grandmother of Nicole and Chris Stronks, Scott Morrow, Jessica Nicholson, Dylan Nicholson and Andrew Hall. Great-Gamma Elsie to Charlotte and Emily Stronks. Also survived by sister-in-law Melva Jackson and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her Son-in-law, Doug Crozier, Sister, Kate Johnston (Lorne), Brothers, Herb (Jean) Jackson, Hugh Jackson, John (Doris) Jackson and Brother-in-law Glen Mills. Elsie graduated from Chatham Public General Hospital Nursing in 1947 and was proud to attend yearly reunions until 2013. She worked nights at PGH, 3 Centre Surgical, until her retirement in 1992. Elsie was a charter member, and dedicated her life to, Sprucedale United Church. Elsie led the junior choir, sang in the senior choir, was the first organist, and unofficial church historian. She was involved in every aspect of church life from committees to craft sales. Elsie loved the cottage that she and Don built at Berford Lake near Wiarton and was happiest when family and friends could visit there. She will be forever remembered for her kindness, love, strength and sense of gratitude. Many have benefited from Elsie’s numerous lovingly-made crafts. Elsie was so grateful for the tremendous care she received and for the many expressions of support for her and the family. Many thanks to the staff of the CKHA for the exceptional care given during her illness. Special thanks to the staff and volunteers at the CK Hospice for their extraordinary compassion and support in her final days. Family will receive friends at the McKinlay Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham on Thursday, July 7, 2016 from 5:00 - 9:00 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held at Sprucedale United Church, 493 Victoria Ave, Chatham at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 9, 2016 with Pastor Sunni Shular officiating. Interment to follow at Maple Leaf Cemetery, Chatham. Expressions of sympathy would be appreciated for CK Hospice or Sprucedale United Church in Elsie’s memory. Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com <iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/173693675" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe> <p><a href="https://vimeo.com/173693675">Elsie Mills</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user27484248">McKinlay Funeral Homes Ltd.</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>