Welcome to Branch 233, Orangeville

Elsdon, Rosemarie (nee Smith)  - October 12, 1946 to October 19, 2021.

Rosemarie passed away peacefully at home on October 19, 2021, surrounded by family. Rosie was the loving and devoted wife of Peter (April 2021) for 57 years. Cherished mum to Ami (Richard) and Julie (Brad). Proud grandma to Mikaela (Tobias), Zachary (Taylor), Madeleine, Sydney and Chelsea. Sister of Bill (Joan), Bobby, Patti-Jo (Tom). Sister-in-law of Joyce, Mavis, William (Ruth) and Patricia. Friend, aunt and loved one to many. Rosie is predeceased by newborn daughter, Theresa Rose (1964), parents Margaret and George, brother, Vincent, parents-in-law, William and Hilda, sisters-in-law Ursula and Janet, brothers-in-law Reg and Harry. Special friend to Marcelo. She knew Jesus as her Lord and Saviour and she looked forward to Heaven!

Rosie grew up in Mottingham, England and came to Canada with Peter on the SS Ryndam ship, Holland American Line in 1965. They became very proud Canadians, embraced their new country and looked forward to a new beginning. Peter’s brother, Reg and his wife, Ursula welcomed Peter and Rosie to their home in Toronto and soon after, Peter’s sister, Patricia and her family also immigrated. The Canadian Elsdons had a special bond which the second and third generation has embraced and continues to enjoy. Just 8 days prior to her passing, the family celebrated Rosie’s 75th birthday at Thanksgiving.

Rosie missed her family in England and always looked forward to visits with them. In more recent years she loved keeping in touch with family and friends abroad through social media!

Rosie was the proudest mother and Ami and Julie had the blessing of experiencing her unconditional love and support. Rosie juggled working full time with her responsibilities as a wife and mother, and also enjoyed volunteering in the community and participating in choir and theatre. The friends of her children and grandchildren were welcomed with open arms. Her grandchildren provided her with much joy and she entertained and embarrassed them like only a grandma can!

Rosie was a devoted wife to Peter, going above and beyond to support him in his interests. She was a scorekeeper at cricket matches, hosted many cricket teas and socials, travelled with him to other countries for cricket tours, provided lunches to Peter and his friends following golf matches, and when the girls were older, Rosie enjoyed meeting Peter at the Longhorn Lounge after work, visiting with friends. Any friend of Peter’s was quickly a friend of Rosie’s. 

She had an extraordinary gift of welcoming people and made fast friends with hundreds of people over the years. She was very social, made friends easily and every friend was welcomed as family. Always with a heart for the underdog, Rosie looked out for those who needed a kind word, a hand out, or a place to stay. Her heart was full of compassion and acceptance of others. The Elsdon home had an open door and was often filled with guests and in any group she was involved with, Rosie ensured that no one was left out or made to feel as an outsider.

Rosie was very proud of her volunteer career with the Royal Canadian Legion and valued the relationships she formed with fellow Legion members, particularly veterans. Passionate about veteran affairs, she became a member in 1980 and was involved in leadership positions at the local branch in Orangeville and also at the Zone and District Levels. She was decorated with many medals and awards representing years of dedicated service. Hundreds of children who participated in public speaking competitions remember Rosie fondly as the lady who coordinated the events and often sang, ”I’ve Got a Lovely Bunch of Coconuts” during the judging. Local seniors were entertained annually at another one of her favourite events, the Senior’s Christmas Dinner held at the Legion. Rosie had the privilege of being involved with decisions that impacted the well-being of veterans and participated as Master of Ceremonies at the Orangeville Remembrance Day cenotaph services for 40 years.

Ami and Julie, along with their families, would like to thank all of Rosie’s friends for helping to make the past seven months, following her pancreatic cancer diagnosis, so special for mum, particularly after dad passed away in May, and the family’s Covid 19 outbreak. Rosie gave love and experienced love. Sincere thanks to the staff at Bayshore Nursing for their care at home, Personal Support Worker Kelly, Dr. Zilbert and his most amazing assistant, Patti, Dr. McKinnon and Dr. Sandhu. Thanks to Pastor Jay and Deb Wagstaff and the Compass Community Church staff for their support and prayers. Special thanks to Randy Mugford at In Memoriam Funeral Services for his extraordinary care and kindness. 

The funeral service will take place at Compass Community Church, 246289 Hockley Road, Mono on Saturday, October 30, 2021 at 2:00 pm, beginning with an Act of Remembrance, led by the Royal Canadian Legion. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service. The service will be recorded and made available at a later date. 

Donations can be made in memory of Rosie to the Orangeville Food Bank, 3 Commerce Rd, Orangeville, ON L9W 3X5 or Royal Canadian Legion, 7 John St, Orangeville, ON L9W 2Z5. 

Food Bank: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/47518

We are reaching out to our community for help. Many of you have enjoyed a meal, played bingo or attended one of our many other events.   There have been many members over the years, perhaps even your parent or grandparent were a member. Almost everyone has fond memories of our Orangeville Legion which was founded back in 1935.

The legion supports our military veterans and their families. In our community our legion also donates to many charities including the food bank, hospital and gives support to seniors and youth in our town. Our legion is a nonprofit organization which is run by volunteers.  You don't have to have been a veteran to be a member, just have a desire to help us keep the Remembrance and help the community.

Due to having to close our branch back on March 16th because of Covid-19 our financial loss has been severe, as our branch’s income comes from renting our hall, as well as food and bar sales. Our president, Barry Kimber, put in an insurance claim for loss of income due to the outbreak, but we were denied as were all other legions in Ontario. Our branch was counting on receiving money from our insurance company, but since the claims were denied, we are asking for your help.  Some legion branches will not survive this.

Please make a donation to our Orangeville Legion, Branch 233 to help us to be able to continue making more great memories for the people of Orangeville.  Please remember every little bit helps, all small donations do add up, and we appreciate any help you can give.  Thank you

If you prefer to donate by cheque please contact the legion.  Thank you for your support!!!!