ELSA JOANNE DERKSON

Elsa Joanne Derkson, 94, of Rainycrest Long-Term Care, 550 Osborne St., Fort Frances, Ont., passed away at her residence on Monday, May 19, 2008.
She was born April 24, 1914 in Ufa, Russia to the late Johannes and Helena Rahn.
Elsa, along with her family, emigrated to Canada in 1928 and eventually settled in Riverhurst, Sask. She later moved to the Rainy River Valley, where she met Frank Derkson in Nestor Falls, Ont., where she was working at the time.
Throughout the years, Elsa worked as a telephone operator and at many tourist camps in the Nestor Falls area.
On May 29, 1943, Elsa was united in marriage to Frank Derkson. Later, they moved to Barwick, Ont., where together they raised their children on the family farm.
In 1965, Elsa’s husband, Frank, passed away. In 1988, Elsa moved to Rainycrest Long-Term Care in Fort Frances, where she has lived since.
Mom’s faith in God saw her through all life’s trials and was her source of strength. She was a devoted mother and grandma, and an inspiration to all who knew her.
Times spent with her family were her most treasured moments.
Elsa is survived by four sons, Arthur (Jean) of Lacombe, Alta., Edward (Twyla) of Atikokan, Ont., Robert (Connie) of Fort Frances, Ont. and Leonard (Sheila) of Balmertown, Ont.; one daughter, Dolores (David) Danard of Marathon, Ont.; 16 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
She also is survived by one sister, Margaret Gosbee of Dryden, Ont.; and by numerous nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband, Frank Derkson in 1965; two brothers, Jack and Herman Rahn; one sister, Mary Bergen; two brothers-in-law, Don Gosbee and Isaac Bergen; one daughter, Frances Derkson; and one sister-in-law, Gerry Rahn.
Cremation will take place in International Falls, Mn.
Memorial services will be held Thursday, May 22, 2008 at 11 a.m. at Green Funeral Home in Fort Frances, with Rev. Diane Clifford officiating.
Interment will take place in Chapple Cemetery in Barwick at a later date.
The honourary pallbearers will be Elsa’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Should family and friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to Rainycrest Long-Term Care, 550 Osborne St., Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3T2 or c/o Green Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8.
Online condolences may be offered at www.mem.com
Psalm 23: The Lord is my Shepherd. . . .