Elsie Annette Person

Elsie Annette Person, 89, of Pender Island, BC, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of August 10, 2025, with her daughters by her side.

Elsie was born on March 3, 1936, in Tisdale, Saskatchewan, to Edwin and Almina Flaata, the children of Norwegian immigrants. She grew up on the family farm alongside her seven siblings, where life was filled with both hard work and laughter. She often told stories of farm adventures, caring for the horses, and the day a cow named Elsie arrived—prompting her father to give her the nickname “Bucky.” This story, one of her favorites, always sparked smiles and laughter whenever she shared it.

As a young woman, Elsie moved with some of her sisters to Jasper, Alberta, where she worked as a telephone operator and later at the local hospital. Though she once dreamed of becoming a nurse, her adventurous spirit led her to Kamloops, BC, with her sister Marion. It was in Kamloops that she met Ronald Person. They married in 1960 and welcomed two daughters, Kelly Jane in 1961 and Barbara Louise in 1968.

Kamloops became Elsie’s long-time home, where family life was rich with camping trips, fishing excursions, and gatherings with the Flaata sibling and their families. These reunions were always filled with teasing, storytelling, and the bubbling laughter she so loved.

Elsie dedicated 25 years of her life to working at the Ponderosa Lodge in Kamloops. In her role, she embodied the caring spirit she had dreamed of as a young woman, supporting patients and coworkers with compassion and cheer. Her dedication and warmth left a lasting impression on all who knew her there.

Elsie was a proud grandmother to six grandchildren—Matthew, Brent, & Stefani (children of Kelly & Mark), and Ayana, Josh, and Andrew (children of Barbie & Scot)—and later became a great-grandmother to three boys: Efrayim (son of Brent & Nicole), and twins Søren and Fynn (sons of Stefani & Chris).

In her later years, Elsie lived on Pender Island in a suite at Kelly and Mark’s home. She delighted in being close to family, enjoying Saturday outings with her son-in-law Mark, town trips with Kelly, catching up on her grandchildren’s work stories, and tapping her toes to the music of her great-grandchildren.

In 2024, Elsie was diagnosed with breast cancer. Despite surgery and treatment, the cancer returned in a rare and aggressive form. Surrounded by her loved ones, she faced this journey with courage and grace, never wanting to be a burden, but accepting the care that her family readily offered. She passed peacefully on August 10, embraced in love and prayer.

Elsie will be remembered for her warmth, her laughter, and the joy she found in family across three generations. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.