Elsa MacGowan Boone 1923-2014
Hailing from the shores of North Sydney, Cape Breton Island, Elsa May Bagnell crossed over into Glory, November 3, 2014.
Predeceased by the love of her life, Robert Paul MacGowan, “Mac” & Elsa married and raised their children David (Martha) and Lorraine Barrett on the shores of Lake Superior, the Lakehead.
Survived by her much loved younger brother, Freeman Bagnell (Joan) in P.E.I. and her precious grandchildren Rebekah Barrett (husband Robert Tallevi) and Stephanie & Kyle MacGowan.
Elsa was also predeceased by Lorraine’s husband, Rev. Robert Barrett; Dan Boone; parents, Fultz & Ethel Bagnell; brothers and sisters, Roland Bagnell, Dinah Steele, Beulah MacKenzie, Phillip, Fultz ,and Graham Bagnell, and Elizabeth Mason.
In answer to Elsa’s prayer, “to always be about the Lord’s business helping mankind,” you would regularly find Elsa collecting food, cooking and serving in the soup kitchens and homeless shelters, both in Thunder Bay and after relocating to Barrie.
Serving Christ with Mac, Elsa worked diligently as an elder and leader at St. Paul’s United Church. Leading Bible Studies, always worshiping through song and prayer, and praying with folks up to their last breath, remained her passion.
Being at the forefront with cutting edge vision for the times, Elsa not only assisted Mac founding the Lakehead’s Radio Station CJLX providing live Sunday church services broadcasting throughout NW Ontario; she was part of developing the Thunder Bay Volunteer Bureau, one of the first in Canada. With a pulse on Thunder Bay’s social needs, Elsa was appointed by the Solicitor General to develop national policy combating juvenile crime (the Young Offenders’ Act).
Elsa rejuvenated every summer spending time with friends at the family’s Loon Lake cottage.
Special thanks must be given to Lynn, Louise and Nancy from We Care and Joyce, Cindy, Donna and Melody from Woods Park. Your daily devotion and care for Mom will always be cherished.
At 2:30pm on Sunday November 9th, 2014, please join us for a Celebration of Elsa’s life at Bethel Community Church, 128 St. Vincent St. in Barrie, Ontario L4M 3Y8.
In lieu of flowers, please share in Elsa’s calling by donating to Barrie Out of the Cold, Box #27071, Barrie, ON. L4M 6K4 www.barrieoutofthecold.org or to the Dew Drop Inn Soup Kitchen, 292 Red River Road, Thunder Bay, ON. P7B 1A8 dewdropinnthunderbay.ca.
Interment will take place at Riverside Cemetery in Thunder Bay at a date to be determined.
Pat( McDonald) Williams
Posted on: Saturday, November 8, 2014Dear Lorraine and family, I am so sorry to hear of your Mother’s passing. I remember your Mom as a lively and gracious hostess . I picture her beautiful smile as she welcomed us to Waverly Towers. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Pat
Patricia Ambrose (nee Greer)
Posted on: Sunday, November 9, 2014Dear Lorraine and Family, Please accept my sincere sympathy. I treasure wonderful memories of your Mom and feel particularly fortunate to call the beautiful place she loved during the summer, my Loon home. May you be comforted by good memories and most especially, the love and support of family and friends. Love, Trish
Bill & Sherry Harle
Posted on: Sunday, November 9, 2014Dear Lorraine & David,
How sad we were to hear of your mother’s death.
We’re going to miss seeing her at church, getting one of her hugs and being told how much she loved us.
I ( Sherry ) enjoyed the fact that we’re both from Cape Breton.
I grew up just outside of Glace Bay. We were able to share so much
about our beloved island. Elsa never tired having those conversations !
We were always inspired by Elsa’s great faith and her love for God. You could see it on her face and hear it in her voice. She was a wonderful example of what God can do in someone’s life. She was a blessing to us and everyone else who knew her.
Although we have to say goodbye to Elsa here, we look forward to the day when we’ll see her in Heaven, just waiting to give us a “welcome home” hug.
May God comfort you and give you his peace during this difficult time.
We’ll be praying for you.
Sincerely, Sherry & Bill Harle
Jeanie Henschel (Steele)
Posted on: Thursday, November 13, 2014Lorraine and David
I was sad to hear of Aunt Elsa’s passing. There are so so many
wonderful childhood memories that your Mother was such a part
of for all of us growing up in Cape Breton. And , always–the
stories that enchanted us with love and affection.
Am sending you love and hugs that you are remembered with
fondness……Your cousin, Jeanie
Lorna Steele
Posted on: Thursday, November 13, 2014While with many fond and happy memories of Aunt Elsa, I want to extend heartfelt sympathy to David and Lorraine and families.
Sincerely,
Lorna