October 6, 1951 - December 3, 2021
In loving memory ~
Jeanette (Jeanie) Elsner passed away on December 3, 2021 after a lengthy and debilitating lung disease. She lived through this illness with dignity, grace, hope, and bravery. She is survived by her devoted husband, Bill Elsner, her three sons, Brydon, Chris (Kelly), and Jem (Emily), and her grandchildren, Hayley, Mabel, Isaac, Mattias, and Tegan. She is also survived by a large extended family who loved her.
Jeanie was born in Galveston, Texas and raised in the United States, but met Bill, the love of her life and husband of 42 years, in the far north of British Columbia, where they lived a fairy tale life in the bush near the Dease River for several years. They lived simply and always valued family and friends above material things.
Jeanie was a talented writer and exceptionally well-read. She worked at the public library in Smithers, British Columbia for many years, encouraging and inspiring hundreds of children to read books. She was an early practitioner of the Roots of Empathy program for children.
Jeanie loved cooking, gardening, reading, and making her home a beautiful place for all who entered. Her kitchen table was a haven not just for family and friends, but also for those who needed a friend or a meal.
Jeanie was a spiritual woman who radiated kindness and love. Her warm, open smile was magnetic. She valued and practiced gratitude and loving kindness. She left this world a better place by the way she lived her life. The light of her love will shine on forever.
Deeply felt thanks to Dr. Simon Reznick, who provided comfort and outstanding medical care, as well as the members of the Sechelt fire department, EHS paramedics, and the hospital staff.
Donations in memory of Jeanie may be made to the Roots of Empathy program at rootsofempathy.org
A funeral service was held at 10:00am, Thursday, December 9, 2021 at Devlin Funeral Home, followed by burial at Seaview Cemetery at 11:00am.