ELSA CHRISTINE ELIZABETH YOUNG (nee KNECHT) October 12, 1918 – July 3, 2016

Elsie was born at her grandmother’s home in Kronau, Saskatchewan. Her parents, Freda and Joseph Knecht lived in Aneroid, Saskatchewan and her mother travelled by train to Kronau during the height of the 1918 Spanish Flu Epidemic which killed 50,000 Canadians and 20 million people worldwide. Despite this inauspicious beginning Elsie remained a healthy baby and enjoyed remarkable health throughout her entire life. Elsie was the eldest of 5 children, Alma (Jones) born in 1920, Wilfred Knecht, born in 1923, Hilda (Morgan) born in 1926 and Doreen (Allen) born in 1928. Elsie enjoyed a happy childhood living in Aneroid where her father was a blacksmith until he built and operated Aneroid Modern Motors selling and servicing J.I. Case and General Motors products. They spoke German at home and she only learned English when she started school.

On January 19, 1941 Elsie married Cliff Young of Vanguard, Saskatchewan, some 14 miles away. Cliff was a farmer and together they raised 4 children, all born within a 5 year period. She was a busy mom and homemaker!: Jeanette (Majury),born in 1946; Marcia (Wiltse),born in 1948, died of pancreatic cancer on April 4, 2016; Denise (Oman), born in 1949; and Kim Young, born in 1951.

Elsie’s home was also home base for many of her childrens’ friends who lived out of town. They would stop in regularly to get ready for dances, etc. and enjoy her wonderful home cooking and baking. Elsie became a “mom” once again when her 2 year old grandson, Ty Stokes came to live with her and Cliff, while daughter, Marcia attended Nursing School in Regina.

Elsie was an avid curler and participated in many community groups and activities. She sewed countless figure skating, Hallowe’en and carnival costumes and her talent for decorating both venues and wedding/anniversary cakes continued long after her children had left home. She kept a diary for most of her life and was a voracious letter writer.

In 1963 she went to work at the Post Office from where she retired as Post Mistress at age 65. After her kids left home she enjoyed traveling alone, or with friends taking bus tours throughout North America. Later she became a world traveler visiting many interesting and exciting places including Hawaii, Mexico, most of Europe, Australia, New Zealand and China. She always enjoyed reminiscing about her trips and the people that she met along the way.

After Cliff’s death in 1981 and her retirement in 1983 she moved to Calgary in 1988 to be closer to her daughters Jeanette and Denise and their families. Her home quickly became a second home to the Calgary grand kids and was always open to visits and stays by all her grandchildren and family friends. A couple of days before she died she was still recounting the number of grandchildren and family friends who had lived with her in Calgary as young adults. She created a whole new, fulfilling life during her 25 years in Calgary and chummed with various Vanguard ex-pats and enjoyed many years with her dear friend, Joan Heebner attending various seniors’ activities. Her last 7 years were spent at Lake Bonavista Village where she was able to rekindle her love for oil painting, a lifelong passion. She was as sharp as a tack until her passing.

Elsie had 4 children, 14 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.
Daughter, Jeanette Majury (Calgary) and husband Rich, Jeanette’s children: Jillian Mooney (Calgary); and Lindsey Mooney (Edmonton) and her husband Nevin Rosaasen and their children Arlo and Rosie Rosaasen.

Daughter, Marcia Wiltse, (who predeceased her on April 4, 2016) Marcie’s son: Ty Stokes (Calgary) and his children: Elsa and Tucker Stokes.

Daughter, Denise Oman (Calgary) and her children: Jesse Oman (Calgary) and wife Tracy; Polly Atkinson (Calgary) and husband Mike and their children: Minky and Ziggy Atkinson; Tom Oman (Bocas del Toro, Panama).

Son, Kim Young (Lloydminster) and his wife Colleen and their children: Nevada Young (Lloydminster); Casey Young (Lloydminster) and wife Jessica and their children: Pearl, Belle and Hazel Young; Chester Young (Chestermere); Riley Young (Chestermere); Fraser Young (Lloydminster); Percy Young (Sydney, Australia); Duke Young (Saskatoon); and Ace Young (Saskatoon).

She will be remembered for her warmth and caring for others, famous homemade apple pies and for remembering everyone’s birthdays. Her special homemade birthday cards have been cherished by many. Her grandchildren gave her the nicknames: Gramma Goodwitch and Soft Skin, but everyone called her Gramma! She always parted with a hug and a “Love you Hard!”

Elsie was cremated. A private, family burial was held at the Vanguard Cemetery. To view and share photos, condolences and stories of Elsie please visit www.choicememorial.com. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Choice Memorial Cremation & Funeral Services (403) 277-7343.