ELSIE CLAYPOLE

1928 - 2024

Elsie Claypole (Lougheed) passed away early morning at her family home on Thursday, May 16, 2024.

Elsie was born in 1928 in Stratton, ON. She was the oldest of 5 siblings, who she helped in their upbringing with her parents on their family farm. Elsie was a kind, thoughtful woman who cared deeply for her family, friends and church community.

She chose teaching for her professional life. She taught in Stratton, Sioux Lookout, Marathon and Thunder Bay, ON. She was dedicated to her profession and always went the extra mile for her students.

She met her husband Calvin in Marathon, ON. They got married in 1955 in Stratton, ON. They built a life in Marathon, where they had 2 children: Mark (Claypole) and Eliza(beth) Claypole (Belluz). In 1965 they moved to Thunder Bay for better career prospects for Calvin and opportunities for their children. Elsie worked full-time as a teacher in Thunder Bay, teaching at St. Maragrets, then St Pius X School and retiring in 1989.

She was very proud of her children. She took pride in her son Mark's accomplishments with the Special Olympics, his involvement with Community Living and his work at Superstore. She was also very proud of her daughter who graduated from college and worked in the health care field and social services sector. She also became a grandma and was very proud of her granddaughter Megan for going to college and university, and was happy that she was working in her chosen field.

Elsie and her husband also became members of Epiphany Lutheran Church. She helped teach Sunday school, participated in teas and bake sales, and attended services on Sundays. The church was very helpful to her when Calvin became ill and when he passed. She continued to be involved with Epiphany. She also enjoyed going to teacher lunches once a month. She continued to garden, bake for the church and held dinners for many family celebrations. Also at this time, she became a great grandma and she loved spending time with her great grandchildren.

In the last 4 years, her health began to fail. She was able to stay home with the help of her daughter, Paramed, Nurse Next Door, Manor House and VON adult day program. Special thanks to Claudia from Paramed, Mae and Marcy from Nurse Next Door, and Pastor Steve for his visits.

Elsie will be greatly missed. She touched many lives.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 29, 2024 in Epiphany Lutheran Church (333 Morse Street) at 11:00AM. Interment will be held in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held in EVEREST FUNERAL CHAPEL, 299 Waverley Street at Algoma, on Tuesday evening from 6:00 - 8:00 PM.

If friends desire, memorial donations in memory of Elsie Claypole to Community Living Thunder Bay or the Special Olympics would be appreciated.

Please sign the online condolences at everestofthunderbay.com