Obituary of Elsie Preiss

<h1>Elsie Preiss</h1> November 21, 1917 – July 26, 2008 Passed away at Columbia Forest Long Term Care Centre on Saturday, July 26, 2008 in her 91st year. The daughter of Leonard and Helen Fletcher, Elsie was born and raised in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. She graduated as a Registered Nurse from Moose Jaw General Hospital School of Nursing in 1939, nursing there and in Winnipeg, Manitoba until her marriage to Earl John Preiss of Waterloo on August 2, 1958. After moving to Waterloo, she nursed at Grand River Hospital (then Kitchener-Waterloo Hospital) until her retirement, finishing her career as a Nursing Supervisor. Elsie was an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Waterloo, where she sang in the Senior Choir, and was a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Women’s group, serving as President for several years. After her retirement, she participated in the Sixty Plus Group, and later was a member of the Widows’ Group at the church. She had a wide range of interests, belonging to the Horticultural Society, Travelogue Group, the Canadian Wildlife Federation, the Royal Canadian Geographical Society and the Retired Nurses Association. She was a long-time supporter of the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony. Elsie and Earl enjoyed travelling both in Canada and abroad. Predeceased by her parents, and loving husband Earl of 32 years, Elsie is lovingly remembered by her nieces, Donna and her husband Dale Finch; Deb Wilson; and Karen Fletcher and her husband, John Hofstetter, as well as great nieces and nephews, Lesley McLaughlin, her husband Trevor, and their children Emily, Danny, and Joseph; Rebecca Finch, Nathan, Allison, and Matthew Drago; and Morgan and Clare Hofstetter. Visitation will be held at the Erb &amp; Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King Street South, Waterloo on Monday, July 28, 2008 from 7-9 pm. The funeral service to celebrate her life and faith will take place at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 22 Willow Street, Waterloo on Tuesday, July 29, 2008 at 11 am in the chapel with Pastor Dale Finch presiding. Visitation one hour prior to the service from 10 to 11 am. A reception will follow the service at the church. Private family interment at Parkview Cemetery, Waterloo. As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, the Alzheimer Society, or the Canadian Lutheran World Relief. Donations may be arranged through the funeral home, 519-745-8445 or www.erbgood.com. The family would like to thank the staff in Dickson House at Columbia Forest Long Term Care Centre for their care and devotion. In living memory of Elsie, a donation will be made to the Trees for Learning Program by the funeral home.