BUNN, Elsie (nee Galer) -                  

Elsie passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 12, 2017 at Roberta Place Lodge, Barrie ON at the age of 83.  She was pre-deceased by her loving husband of 35 years Lyle Bunn, her son Terence Goldrick, as well as her siblings Jean Piragoff (Fred), Frank Galer (Olga), Karen Savulak (Bill), Nick Galer (June), Victor Galer (Nellie), and Allan Galer. Elsie leaves behind her sons Richard Goldrick, and Randal Goldrick and her daughter Debby (Larry Luckett) Goldrick as well as her step-daughters Debbie (Eddy) DeMarco, Jo-Anne (Bob) Harris and Brenda Bunn.  Cherished grandmother of 8 and great grandmother of 13. Dear sister to Mary Geller. Elsie will be dearly missed by many nieces and nephews as well as her extended family and friends.

Born in Garland, Manitoba, Elsie spent her early years growing up on the farm. After finishing Secretarial School in Winnipeg Elsie married Raymond Goldrick and raised their 4 children in Ontario. She worked throughout these years and eventually found her calling at North York Public Library.

After Elsie's first marriage ended she met and eventually married Lyle in 1981. After her battle with Ovarian Cancer, Elsie and Lyle retired early and moved to Novar to enjoy life, spending the next 35 years in very active retirement. They joined The Huntsville Square Dancing Club and spent many an evening and weekend dancing across northern Ontario. At every opportunity they took advantage of what life had to offer them and would often take spontaneous trips across Canada to see family members or to see something new. They spent 13 winters in Yuma, Arizona, enjoyed being an integral part of the Burks Falls Art Club, and they opened and ran a successful Bed and Breakfast and greeted guests from around the world. Elsie was diligent about keeping in touch with many of these guests and many years after Bunn’s Place closed, Elsie still enjoyed corresponding with past guests from all over the world.

For years, Elsie’s Essays were sent out at Christmas time to share details of the year with family and friends alike. As cancer survivors themselves, Lyle and Elsie gave back to the community by becoming volunteer drivers for the Cancer Society taking patients to appointments from Sudbury to Toronto and many points in between. Lyle used to say that he was the driver and Elsie was the bonus.

After losing Lyle in November 2016, Elsie found a way to continue without him by becoming immersed in all that Roberta Place had to offer.  Her strong will carried her through and she found comfort by making new friends and joining many of the activities including art classes.  Elsie's friends enjoyed her wit, laughter and spunky spirit.

A tribute to Elsie and a celebration of life will be planned for next spring/summer where Lyle and Elsie’s ashes will be scattered together.  If you would like to be informed of the day and time of this celebration of life, please contact Jo-Anne Harris (ragrugs@hotmail.com) or Debby Goldrick (d.goldrick@yahoo.ca)

In keeping with Elsie’s wishes, cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, and in keeping with Elsie’s enjoyment of art, donations can be made to the Burk’s Falls Art and Crafts Club Art Centre, or The Lung Association as a tribute to her son Terence. Condolence cards may be sent to the family at 991 Anna Maria Avenue, Innisfil ON L9S 1V5.  Messages of condolence can be left at www.peacefultransition.ca