Elsa Mae Gamble

1936 - 2016

May 25, 1936 –
May 14, 2016

It is with profound sadness, that the family announces the passing of their wife, mother and grandmother, Elsa Mae Gamble. After a long battle with cancer, on Saturday, May 14th at Thunder Bay Regional Hospital, with her family by her side. Elsa was born in Port Arthur, in her grandmother's home on Centre Street. First daughter of Emil and Mary (Carlson) Sorby. She attended local schools, graduating from the Port Arthur Technical High School. It was there she met her lifelong best friend, Jean Blazino (Harnet); they remained friends all of their lives. In 1970 she married Patrick Gamble, they were to celebrate their 46th Wedding Anniversary on June 5th. They were inseparable, sharing a strong commitment to one another. Elsa like accounting, and held various positions through the years, ending her career at the Tom Jones Corporation, where she spent over 25 years. She enjoyed her work and was a loyal and reliable employee. After retirement, she continued to be active in business, partnering with her husband to manage their family business interests. She loved athletics and the outdoors. An enthusiastic skier, until winters in Florida required a shift to golf. She was a member of the Fort William Country Club, and her claim to fame was her hole-in-one at the Lago Mars Golf and Country Club in Plantation, Florida. She loved golf, and enjoyed working as a volunteer at the Honda Classic, LPGA Championship and the Solheim Cup. Travel was also one of her interests, and she and Pat travelled several times to Norway, to reconnect family ties with her father's siblings. She and Pat also loved to spend time with their many close friends in Florida. She was predeceased by her parents, her sister Lois Schick, brother-in-law Bob Schick and nephew Jordan Schick. Survived by her husband Patrick, son Murray McGuire (Doris), daughters Andrea and Deanna Gamble, grandchildren Kelly and Katrina McGuire, London and Harper Gamble, and two great-grandchildren. Her niece and nephew in British Columbia, Chris and David Schick, also survive. The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to the staff of the Thunder Bay Regional Cancer Clinic, and Hospital. The staff of these two institutions worked diligently to help Elsa in every way they could. They are a very compassionate group. Special thanks to Dr. Margaret Anthes, a very kind and caring person, and nurse practitioner Ursula Danner, both of these health professionals went above and beyond, and became friends. In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life, with family and friends, will be held on June 25th. Should friends desire, donations can be made to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation Northern Cancer Fund.