Passed away peacefully in her 99th year in Ottawa. Loving wife of the late Charles Robert (Rory) Balfour. Proud mother of Rory’s and the late Jean (Morey)’s children, whom she loved as her own: Robert (Betty Ann), David (Danielle), Virginia, and Ian (Shelley). Her grandchildren Andrew, Jennifer, Michele (Charles), Natalie (Kyle), and Emily. Her great grandchildren Zoe, Emmett, Wyatt, Miles and Louis. Predeceased by her parents Edith (Hobbs) and Willis Fletcher, and her first husband Earl Gray. Loving sister to six brothers: Bill (Orla), Jack (Doris), Ernest (Ruth), Bert (Shirley), Clifford (Kathleen), and Stuart (Beverly); and three sisters: Isabel (John), Clara (Bob), Lila (Jack). Loving aunt to many nieces and nephews and their children whom she loved and appreciated, and who brought her much joy.
Elsie was proud to be a member of the staff of Henry Birks & Sons Jewellers, working on Sparks Street and managing the Billings Bridge store, and built a successful career in a male-dominated world. She retired in 1973. She and Rory moved to Pasadena, Newfoundland and spent many happy years there among dear friends and relations. After returning to Ottawa, Elsie volunteered for many years at the Ottawa Hospital (Riverside and Civic campuses), where she touched the lives of many. Special thanks to the caring and dedicated staff of The Ravines Retirement Residence.
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