Elsie Emma Schmidt

1913 - 2015

SCHMIDT, Elsie E.: Aug. 29, 1913 - Oct. 21, 2015. After a beautiful, long life, Elsie Emma Schmidt (nee: Gunther) quietly passed away at the age of 102 on October 21, 2015. Elsie was a loving Mother to Carol Johnson (Barry), grandmother to Curtis Johnson Morrison (Carmen) and Kevin Johnson (Amanda), great grandma Elsie to Oceana and Skyli, and Kolton. Her beloved husband, Peter Schmidt, predeceased her in 1988. In 1913 Elsie became the 5th youngest of 20 children born to Pauline and Fredrich Gunther in Lanigan, Saskatchewan. She was 11 when her mother died. Her father remarried a woman who had 4 children and together they had 6 more for a grand total of 30 in the Gunther Family! She enjoyed recalling the happy times they had growing up together. Elsie is survived by one sibling, her sister, Helen Stevenson. Elsie, with 7 brothers and 3 sisters formed the Lanigan Family Baseball Team. In the late 20's they competed across the country and were inducted into the SPORTS HALL OF FAME. At the age of 16 she went to Luther College in Regina to complete her education. In 1941 she married the love of her life, Peter Schmidt. They were a very close, loving couple. They moved to Saskatoon and when they could afford it, 5 years later, they had their only child, Carol. Elsie was a great Mother and wife. She demanded people treat each other with respect and fairness. Throughout her life she worked hard and was frugal. She rode a bike, walked or caught a bus to work or to shop. She never learned to drive a car but she did clock enough miles on her stationary bicycle to cross Canada and back- twice. Later, when her knees gave out, she drove her little four-wheeled scooter as fast as she could get away with. She loved music. She was self- taught and played the piano and accordion by ear. In an orchestra with Peter, who played the saxophone, they entertained for many dances. Elsie sang with the Sweet Adelines in the 60's and had a great passion for singing harmony. As a deeply religious member of the Lutheran Church she taught Sunday School, and travelled with the Church choir to Europe. She spent her last 10 years at 3 Links Manor where she was well looked after by a kind and caring staff. She enjoyed watching her Grandchildren grow and later her Great Grandchildren. They meant a lot to her! She was very fortunate to have them close on her last few days. Elsie set an example to all of us by the way she lived. She showed us an unselfish, unconditional love for her family, an unbreakable pioneer spirit, a deep faith, a love of music, honesty and determination. She was a strong lady who did things in her own way, always true to her friends and family. We will miss her but always smile inside when we think of her! A family graveside service will be held. To view the tribute page go to: http://obits.dignitymemorial.com/dignity-memorial/ obituary.aspx?n=Elsie-Schmidt&lc=3103&pid= 176229977&mid=6648726 &cid=em.legacy.dmc.3103.6648726