Elsie HUMPHREY

1926 - 2024

HUMPHREY, Elsie (nee Larke)
June 3, 1926 - October 11, 2024

The world's loss is heaven's gain as we are saddened to announce that Elsie passed away peacefully at the age of 98 with family at her side.

Elsie was born in 1926 to Louise and Louis Larke in the small town of Morden, Manitoba and was the 7th of 12 children - 8 boys and 4 girls. She married the love of her life in 1948 and they had 65 wonderful years together until Kent's passing in 2013. Kent was in the Canadian Armed Forces so they moved to numerous cities across Canada. They welcomed their two children Burk and Roberta then were once again on the move, this time to Metz, France and spent four enchanting years exploring Europe. BC eventually called to them, and they made Tsawwassen, and then Ladner their forever home. Elsie was a firm believer that 'home is where your heart is' and embraced each new city with grace, and wide-eyed wonder.

Throughout her life Elsie loved to sing, dance, sew, cook, and garden. Growing up with a houseful of brothers, she naturally gravitated to sports when she was young, and always enjoyed watching and cheering on her Toronto Maple Leafs. A longstanding member of Tsawwassen United Church, Elsie loved singing in the choir and organizing the Fall Fair. She also took great pride as a lifetime member of the Delta Hospital Auxiliary - volunteering at the Ladner Thrift shop on Fridays, where she remained a loyal worker for over 40 years… right until Covid. She loved her Friday 'girls' and made lifelong friends that she enjoyed working side by side with and sharing many laughs. Retirement with Kent was filled with travel, swimming, volunteering, and her greatest joy... treasured time with family and good friends, both near and far.

Elsie was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend… and her smile would light up any room she entered. She knew how to listen in such a way that made you feel heard and understood. A beautiful quality. She remained independent, joyously living in her home until 97 with support from her daughter and care workers, and then at Good Samaritan Delta View. She continued to be a night owl and still enjoyed her word search puzzles, watching the news, or hockey game (with her brother Howie), and of course, still singing. Elsie journeyed thru life with a grateful heart and at 98 was still in awe that this small town girl from Morden had lived such a rich and rewarding life. Her unshakable faith guided her throughout her life and there is no doubt of the greeting she received at Heaven's gate…"Well done, good and faithful servant". She wrapped us in love and we promise to keep that love alive in our hearts. Her love is our inheritance.

She will be profoundly missed by her son Burk (Debbie) Humphrey, daughter Roberta Nielson (Carlo Billinger), grandchildren Alex (Brooke) Humphrey, Julia (Jon) Przychocki, Carlie Billinger (Shawn Sheehan), Calie (Marc) Lovegrove, great-grandchildren Ayla Humphrey, Elle Billinger, Ava Billinger, Beau Lovegrove, Casey Lovegrove, sisters Emily Blair and Helen Cottom, brothers Howie Larke and Kenny (Joan) Larke, sister-in-law Nancy Larke and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and many dear friends. Predeceased by her husband Kent (who's been patiently waiting on Heaven's dance floor), her brothers Herman (Marea) Larke, Bill (Betty) Larke, Alec (Olga) Larke, Carl (Virginia) Larke, Doug Larke and Archie (Hilda) Larke, her sister Marg (Val) Reich, brother-in-law Bill Blair, and sister-in-law Joan Larke.

Many thanks to the care staff at Cascades -Good Samaritan Delta View, Cecilia, Brosscare, and Delta Hospital, who enriched Elsie's life and made her final days comfortable.

A celebration of Elsie's life will take place at Tsawwassen United Church, 2:00 pm on Saturday, December 7th. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Delta Hospital Auxiliary Society.