ELSIE NELLIE COTTAM

Elsie Cottam, 99, of Nestor Falls, Ont. and Victoria, B.C., passed away peacefully at Sandringham Nursing Home Hospital in Victoria, B.C. on Monday, Sept. 1, 1997.
She was born Jan. 7, 1898 in Bristol, England and came to Canada as a young girl. She resided in Rainy River, Ont., where she met her husband, Harvey Cottam. They were united in marriage in August, 1916 and settled on a farm north of Rainy River.
The Cottams started a tourist resort, Red Deer Lodge, at Nestor Falls in the early 1930s. Elsie enjoyed the tourist business and worked in many capacities–cook, bookkeeper, and organizer of what was needed. Dealing with people was her greatest joy, and she always had that perpetual smile.
Many times, Elsie was asked, especially in later years, to what she attributed her long life. Her answer was “attitude,” and it was always a “positive attitude.”
Elsie was very active in the community in her early years, and was one of the founders of the Nestor Falls United Church. She was the first president of the ladies’ U.C.W. group. She was presented with an honourary life membership pin.
Elsie moved to Victoria in 1972, and continued to be active in the Oak Bay United Church and U.C.W. groups.
Elsie is survived by her three sons, Bob and wife, Eve, Lawrence and wife, Evelyn, and Stan and wife, Judy, of Nestor Falls; and daughter-in-law, Min Cottam, of Emo.
She was predeceased by her husband, Harvey, in March, 1970; son, Norman in November, 1966; daughter, Florence Helliar, in April, 1976; and son-in-law, Charles Helliar, in October, 1986.
Also surviving are numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, Sept.13, 1997 at 2 p.m. at the Nestor Falls United Church in Nestor Falls, Ont., with Rev. Bob Kayes officiating.
Interment will be in the Norman Cottam Memorial Gardens in Nestor Falls.
If friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be sent to the Nestor Falls United Church, Box 441, Nestor Falls, Ont., P0X 1K0.