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Emma "Elsie" Neil was born on February 21, 1934 and passed away on February 7, 2020 at the age of 85.
Elsie will be lovingly remembered by her children Valerie (Rick) Murray, Larry (Becky) Neil, three grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Elsie was predeceased by her beloved husband Gordon Neil.
Prayer's for Elsie will be on Thursday, February 13, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Joseph's St. Joseph's Catholic Church.
A funeral mass will be held for Elsie on Friday, February 14, 2020, 1:00 p.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church.
Donations in memory of Elsie may be made to the Heritage Manor, Ladies Auxiliary C/O Prairie Rose Floral and Gift.
Elsie Neil (nee Sperling)
Elsie Neil went to her eternal rest on February 7, 2020. She passed away with her family by her side at Heritage Manor in Kindersley, Saskatchewan.
Emma "Elsie" was born to Emma and John Sperling on February 21, 1934, at Kerrobert, Saskatchewan. She was raised along with her many siblings on a farm in the Kerrobert area. Elsie received her early education at McKellar School near Kerrobert. She started out working at a beauty parlor in Kerrobert and then did domestic work for families in the Coleville area for several years.
Elsie loved to dance so it was meant to be that she met future husband, Gordon Neil, at a country dance. Elsie and Gordon were eventually married on November 10, 1960. They started their family with daughter, Valerie, being born in 1961 and son, Larry, born in 1963. They had rented a home in Coleville in 1961, but eventually purchased their first home in Coleville in 1964. They lived in and raised their family in their home in town while managing the demands of farming in the area. Elsie was extremely devoted to loving her husband and raising, nurturing and loving her children. It was obvious to all that she took absolute pride in being a farmer's wife, homemaker, and a full-time loving mother. Her family were truly blessed because of her undying love for them.
Elsie maintained responsibility for her family and loved ones, but she still made time to care for and warm the hearts of others. She had a strong sense of community spirit and was involved with many charitable organizations. She was a member of the Kinette Club of Coleville for seventeen years, so spent countless hours helping out in the community through the Kin association. Elsie's faith was strong and she served as a member of the Catholic Women's League (CWL) for over fifty years. Elsie gave much of herself to be true to her faith and to help serve the needs of others.
Elsie was an exceptional cook and the wonderful aroma of her good cooking and baking often filled her home. Elsie spent numerous hours at the stove preparing meals for the nourishment of her family, for feeding those in need, and for contributing to meals for community functions. No matter the occasion, every dish was prepared with all her heart and soul.
Elsie worked hard but she also made sure there was time to entertain in her home. There were numerous occasions where time was spent with family, friends, and neighbors sharing meals, playing cards, dancing, visiting, and enjoying the simple pleasures in life. Birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, and special times were celebrated with family and friends and always involved good food and drink as well as lots of love and laughter. She cherished those times and fondly carried the memories in her heart.
Elsie enjoyed curling and was a member of the Coleville Curling Club for many years. She spent much time at the local rink as well as covered lots of miles to participate in bonspiels in surrounding communities. In her later years, she enjoyed playing bingo and testing her luck at the casinos. Elsie loved to dance, and she was an exceptional dancer who tore up many a dance floor over the years. When she could no longer dance to it, she still enjoyed listening to the classic country music as it filled her heart with joy and comfort. There was no denial that she enjoyed a drink or two now and then, so she continued to look forward to "Happy Hour" until the end.
Elsie enjoyed travelling and many vacations were taken to visit family and relatives throughout the years. In their retirement, Elsie and Gordon travelled with friends to spend some of the winter months as Snowbirds in the southern US. Elsie took part in many bus excursions with her lady friends over time. She also made frequent bus trips on her own to visit family across the miles.
Gordon and Elsie resided in their home in Coleville for over fifty-five years, but eventually move into Caleb Village in Kindersley to better enjoy retirement in 2010. Elsie remained a resident at Caleb Village until the fall of 2015. Declining health led to her becoming a resident at Heritage Manor in Kindersley where she remained until she passed. It didn't matter where Elsie called home, she filled it with her spirit, joy, and love.
Elsie was predeceased by her parents, John and Emma; sisters Catherine Morin, Pauline Kirby, Anne Wolokoff, Mary Sperling, and Annastatia Meier; as well as brothers John, Ignatius, Emil, Leo, Paul, Nick, and Pius Sperling. She is survived by sisters Regina Wagner, Barbara Ternes, and Hilda Knorr as well as many nieces and nephews.
Elsie was predeceased by her beloved husband, Gordon Neil, on November 6, 2013, She is survived by, and will be lovingly remembered by, daughter, Valerie (husband Rick) Murray, and son, Larry (wife Becky); by grandchildren Mandy (husband Stacey) Fluney, Cory (wife Esmeralda) Mazzei, and Christa Mazzei; and by her precious great grandsons, Hector and Liam, who were the light of her life.
Elsie's unbreakable spirit, positive attitude, inner strength, and devotion to her faith carried her through the good times as well as the difficult times in her life. Whenever Elsie was asked how she was doing, her classic answer was "I'm one hundred percent." Elsie touched the lives and hearts of young and old alike, and she forged new friendships up to her last days. She was a special lady who inspired others in so many ways and will be remembered for all that she gave during her time on earth. She will fondly be remembered for her sense of humor, huge smile, and her spirited laugh. Her kindness, genuine warmth, and precious love will live on forever in our hearts.
Even though she is gone, she will never be forgotten. Her journey here on earth may be done, but we know her journey has just begun. God has her in his keeping, but we have her in our hearts. May she now rest in eternal peace.
Prayers were held for Elsie at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Kindersley on February 13, 2020, at 7:00 p.m., and a Funeral Mass celebrated at St. Joseph's Catholic Church on Friday, February 14, 2020, at 1:00 p.m., with Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Azike officiating. Interment followed at Kindersley Cemetery.
Donations in memory of Elsie may be made to the Heritage Manor, Ladies Auxiliary C/O Prairie Rose Floral and Gift.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Elsie (Sperling) Neil, please visit our floral store.
Heritage Manor Auxiliary
c/o Prairie Rose Floral & Gifts, 400 Main St. Kindersley, SK, Kindersley SK S0L 1S0
For more information contact; Barb Finley at 306-430-7733, Trina Messer at 306-460-8931, or Barb Hawking at 306-460-8349