Elta Springer
(1919 – 2023)
Passed away peacefully on September 28, 2023, at the Garry J Armstrong Residence in Ottawa at the age of 104 years and 8 months.
Elta is survived by her 5 children Raymond (Céline Voyer), Gary (Brenda Ruymar), Cheryl, Joanne (Rick Hronowski) and Sandra, and numerous grand children and great grandchildren.
She was born January 29, 1919, in Midale, Saskatchewan to immigrants John Sigwart Wickey III who was born in Vasa, Minnesota, in 1859 and Borghild Vestlien born in Vestre Toten, Norway, in 1895.
Elta was a remarkable person, who supported, protected, and guided her family throughout her long and fruitful life. She had an uncanny talent for figuring out how to solve any challenge facing her. One of her most interesting achievements was digging a well by hand in the new house in Rivers, Manitoba, in 1943. Imagine being able to work in a small hole and dig by hand to a depth of more than 16 feet below the surface of the ground around the house. And lucky her, she struck ‘sweet water’.
Her children recall her constant vigilance in planning ahead and making sure we were encouraged to pursue our education. She was a sterling example of dedication and achievement. Indeed, while in grade school in Midale, her teacher invited her to come to the front of the class to be granted the distinction of being the ‘smartest girl’ in the school.
Elta survived the passing of her husband and sweetheart Gordon Uren Springer in 2007. She was his partner and support during his long career in the RCAF, through to retirement. Remarkably, Elta survived a stroke which paralyzed the left side of her body. Although her mobility was reduced, she continued her journey with strength and determination. We are in awe of her!
While Elta was always quiet and effective, she made the lives of others better and it is in this moment we feel such a deep loss. We love her and we miss her, but we will never forget her.
Elta will be interred at the Beechwood Cemetery at 280 Beechwood Ave. in Ottawa, October 16th, 2023 at 12:30pm.
A celebration of life gathering will be held at 245 Kent St. Ottawa, ON at 1:30pm.
For donations in Elta’s name, please consider:
The Bruyère Foundation Stroke Rehabilitation program in Ottawa or the charity of your choice.