Elsie Margaret Coombs

On Friday, March 8th, 2024, Mrs. Elsie Margaret Coombs of Saskatoon Saskatchewan passed away peacefully at the age of 81 at the Sunnyside Adventist Care Centre. She is survived by her 2 daughters; Cathy (Dave) McLellan, Brenda (Ted) Carter; Daughter-in-law Catherine (Keith); 6 grandchildren, Cassaundra, Jared, Janelle (Tim), Shaelene, Chandree (Curtis) and Sara (Brendan); 7 great grandchildren, Jensen, Estelle, Emmy, Sienna, Ethan, Avaya, and Cohen; 1 sister, Mary Coombs. Elsie was pre-deceased by her husband David Coombs, son Howard Coombs, brother George Filipchuk, sisters Elizabeth Haraba, Rosie Filipchuk; parents William and Yvonne Filipchuk.

Elsie was born in Bonnyville Alberta on June 22nd, 1942. She grew up to Ukrainian immigrant parents in St. Paul Alberta. Her father was a chef and traveled to be able to work. For a bit of time during this she lived with her oldest sister so as to be able to go to school for her elementary and high school years. Her parents moved to the NWT where her father was going to work as a chef for the RCMP in Fort Smith. Elsie had also moved with them and received her Nurses Aid Certification and worked at the Health Centre there during this time. She would often go to Edmonton with some of the RN’s to bring high needs patients and this is where she met other people in health care and formed friendships. She realized she enjoyed the city life and a little time later she let her parents know it was time for her to move back to Alberta, Edmonton specifically. She moved in with a friend that she had befriended during her Nursing Aid education time, who introduced her to “This gentleman that swept me off my feet”, David George Coombs. They married on November 10th, 1962. They raised their 3 children for a short time in Edmonton and eventually moved to Saskatoon in 1969 when Dave was transferred for work.

Once the family and children were settled there, Elsie started work in 1976 as a Manager in the gift shop at the Sheraton Cavalier Hotel where she worked for 20 years and met so many long term friends. Throughout the following years Elsie and Dave and family had numerous and extensive trips spent camping throughout Saskatchewan and Canada, and made many important memorable visits to BC, Ontario, and Alberta, notably St. Paul, over the years.

Her career path changed back to a health care role after this. She started working as a Personal Care Aid in private care homes, she loved it. She continued with this career until her husband was diagnosed with cancer in 2007. She officially retired from work and stayed at home with her husband to care for him at home during this time. After Dave’s passing in 2015, Elsie was able to spend more time in her yard and garden, and spent more time with family. She also took a bucket list trip on an Alaskan cruise with a good neighbor friend. This was an absolute highlight for her!

Elsie moved to Bethany Manor Independent Living apartments in 2021. She realized that a smaller home and less yard work would be a good idea for her. Her apartment had a lovely courtyard that overlooked a beautiful flower garden and fish pond, this made her happy. She met some amazing friends that she spent a lot of time with.

Elsie had been having some health and mobility issues over a few years, and these issues were increasing. Mom spent 3 months in a special care home, where of course again she met some lovely friends. Shortly after she moved to Sunnyside Care Centre when she needed more care.

Elsie will be greatly missed by her family, friends and anyone she met. Mom cherished her family, friends, garden, yard birds and family pets, and shopping. These are truly the things that made her happy, that made her smile, and her smile will be forever in our hearts.

We will Celebrate Elsie’s Life with a service at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday June 1st, 2024 at Windsor Chapel (704 Windsor Street, Saskatoon). Interment to follow.

For those unable to attend please visit www.faithproductions.ca/livestream to view the service.

In lieu of flowers please send donations in Elsie’s name to the Saskatoon SPCA or SaskAbilities.

Arrangements entrusted to Aimé Laventure.