Elsie Martin

   Elsie (Mom) was born to Wesley and Winnifred Ball (Lister), who lived southeast of Pelly. Soon after, Elsie, along with her parents, moved east of Pelly, to the quarter where she and her siblings, Walter and Shirley were raised. Elsie received her education in Pelly and graduated from Midhurst School in Pelly.

   She then worked for a year at the Perpeluk Store and also helped her parents on the family farm. Elsie completed a secretarial course in Regina, where she also worked. In 1948, she began her nurse's training, attending for 6 months. She met Andrew Seversen while at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon. They were later married June 14, 1949 in Regina. They then moved to Andy's family farm near Coleville, where 5 of their children were born; Vernon, Donna, Belle Marie, Karen and Wade. In 1959, the family moved across the province to Elsie's family farm, invested in more land and cattle and continued to farm. Their youngest son, Sigurd was born here. Elsie was a farm partner doing books, moving equipment, working with cattle, making meals while raising their children and running a household. Dad (Andy) relied on her judgement, as most decisions were discussed together. She enjoyed reading, knitting, painting, walking, gardening. Mom and Dad spent their later years in Weslaco Texas. Dad passed away in 1991. Mom was instrumental in assisting with the local history book. She was also a founding member of Home Care in Pelly, leader in the Al-Anon group, a member of United Church, Pelly Drop-In Center, Pelly Legion and Ladies Auxiliary as well as many community events in and around Pelly. She enjoyed coffee time with her friends in Pelly and walking to the Drop-in for her paper.

   On February 14, 1992, Mom married Ritchie Martin at Westlaco, Texas. They spent their winters in Texas and summers in Pelly, eventually spending their entire retirement in Pelly. They enjoyed Sunday drives, checking crops and their progress. They also loved hearing about their grandchildren's daily activities. Ritchie passed away in 2003.

   Elsie continued to spend time with her Pelly friends and family. She lived alone looking after her beautiful yard, until May 2009, when she suffered a heart attack. After the heart attack, two surgeries and a post-operation stroke, she moved to the Norquay Health Centre, where she had wonderful, family-like care. She continued to check the weather, progress on her children's farms and was always concerned about everyone's well being. Mom had a sense of humour and a positive outlook right to her last day. Mom HAS a very strong, quiet, spiritual connection with God.

   Elsie is survived by her six children, fifteen grandchildren, and nineteen great grandchildren; Vernon (Lynnette) Serversen of Pelly, their children; Todd (Sarah) Seversen, Avery and Easton of Sturgis and Andrew (Michelle) Seversen and Jordyn, Ryder and Trace of Pelly. Donna (Russel) Lulashnyk of Pelly, their children; Joel (Marla) Lulashnyk and Rogan, Kief, Parker and Nolan of Winnipeg and Ben (Natalie) Lulashnyk and Levi of Morden. Belle Marie (Larry) Sutherland of La Ronge, their children; Kent (Joleen) Knox and Landon and Mason of Saskatoon, Rae (Terry) Goodwin and Kale, Liam, and Allie of Prince Albert and Joni (Jabin) Sutherland and Nevaeh and Sadie of Saskatoon. Karen (Bernie) Vogel of Pelly, their children; Neil Vogel of Saskatoon, Jordan (Lori) Vogel and Jace and Presley of Pelly. Wade (Debbie) Seversen of Kelowna, their children Jason and Michelle Seversen. Sigurd (Lori) Seversen of Regina, their children; Dalton Seversen, Haley (Chris) Hague, Taylor and Jared Seversen of Regina, as well as sister-in-law Beth Ball of Whitecourt, AB; Evelyn Connor of Kindersley, Jean Bettinson of Kamsack, brother-in-law Bud (Vi) Martin of Linden, AB and by several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

   She is predeceased by; her husband Andrew John Seversen, husband Ritchie Martin, parents; Wesley and Winnifred Ball, infant sister Lutie, brother Walter, sister and brother-in-law Shirley (Bob) Letourneau, sister-in-law Edie Madill and by great granddaughter Sadie Victoria Lulashnyk.

   Funeral service was held September 6, 2016 from the Pelly Community Hall, with Velda Dahlin officiating. Interment followed at the Greenwood Cemetery, Pelly, District. Those who so desire may make memorial contributions to the Norquay Health Centre Secure Patio Fund, Box 190, Norquay, Sk., SOA 2VO as tokens of remembrance. To leave a note of condolence, please visit Wolkowski.ca