ELSIE McLENNAN

Elizabeth (Elsie) McLennan was born Aug. 5, 1902 on the 8th Concession of Brant Township, southwest of Elmwood, Ont. She was one of nine children (five girls and four boys) born to William and Mary Bierworth.
Her love of piano was supported with lessons from Miss Meuser, in Elmwood, and theory training from Elizabeth Hahn, in Hanover, Ont. Piano study at home delayed her entry to high school at age 17.
In 1922, Elsie attended North Bay Normal School with her brother, Herman. Board was paid as she promised to teach in a northern outpost school. Following teacher training, Elsie accepted her first teaching experience in Bancroft, Ont., where she also became a church organist.
The following year, she taught a Grade 3 class at Robert Moore Public School in Fort Frances, Ont. She continued to teach there for nine years.
During that time, she was introduced to her husband, Don McLennan, a Customs officer, by his sister, Anne, who had attended Normal School with Elsie.
Don and Elsie were married in Chesley, Ont. in 1933. Witnesses at the wedding were her brother, Herman, and her future sister-in-law, Marion Machesney.
Elsie lived in Fort Frances until 1986. While here, she taught piano and was actively involved in many community endeavours. These include the following church involvement: supply organist, life member of United Church Women, Junior Choir director, treasurer and secretary of the Bible society, Sunday School teacher, CGIT leader, delegate to the Presbytery, Women’s Mission Society, and chairperson for an outreach committee.
Elsie also was very involved with the music festival, Amnesty International, and the local horticultural society.
In 1986, Elsie moved to a seniors’ apartment in Hanover. She felt she could be near her existing brothers and sister. In Hanover, she acted as pianist at Valley View Terrace for the Residents’ Group Choir there.
In 1997, Elsie moved to the nursing home.
On Aug. 18, 2003, Elsie passed away quietly at the nursing home with family at her side.
Left to celebrate her life are her sister-in-law, Mrs. Phyllis McLennan of Kenora, Ont.; and several nieces and nephews, Ardis and Ron LaTourelle of Winnipeg, Man., Mrs. Elsie Dupuis, Mrs. Jean Hoffman, Marilyn and Larry McCoy, Cathy and David Saunders, Jim and Kathy Cuthbertson, Doug and Connie Cuthbertson, Joyce and Robert Schulz, Jackie and Darrin Brandli, and Jon Dupuis, and families, all of Fort Frances, Ont., and many nieces and nephews in southern Ontario.
In 2002, Elsie celebrated her 100th birthday with family and friends. Her secret for longevity was “Smile a lot” and “Love people.” In 2003, on her 101st birthday, she shared cake and ice cream with several nieces.
A memorial service will be held Thursday, Sept. 18, 2003 at 1 p.m. at Knox United Church in Fort Frances, with Rev. Marietta Marshall officiating.
If friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to the Mission and Service Fund of the United Church of Canada.