Elsie Ruth (Oja) Rodwell

Elsie Rodwell passed away peacefully on December 17, 2024, at Bastion Place in Salmon Arm. She was a resident there for almost 10 years. Over those many years I saw how mom was loved and cared for by the nurses and care-aids, the recreation staff, food services and the hairdressers. They all helped Elsie retain her sense of humour and dignity.  Sometimes it is the little things that make a difference.  As a daughter, I found comfort in knowing that she was in good hands. I also received support as I grieved the losses of her independence. We are truly thankful that she was loved there.

Thanks to Dr. Weicker for supporting mom for many years as her doctor.

Elsie was born in Saskatchewan in 1934 but grew up in Salmon Arm with her brother Lloyd and sisters Norma and Patricia. Her parents Inger and Ollie Kallio provided a loving home in which to grow up.

As a young woman she married her first husband and moved to Toronto where her children Steven and Sharon were born.  Within a few years she moved back to B.C. to raise them as a single parent. She was a dedicated mother and worked to better herself by attending Okanagan College in Kelowna. She became a bookkeeper which led to a position with Newnes Machine. Prior to that she worked for the downtown drug store and the Salmon Arm Observer.

Elsie met and married the love of her life Dennis Rodwell in the late 60’s. They set up and built a successful business in Waste Management. Reliable Garbage and Septic provided them a comfortable living and kept them busy for many years.

Elsie loved people and had many friends. She was happiest when she and Dennis could break away to go camping and fishing with them. Elsie and Dennis belonged to the Legion and you could find them every Friday night with a full table of friends winding down from the work week. The next stop would be the Chinese restaurant where Dennis would order up many platters of food directly from the Chinese cook. It was a joyous time, and they laughed a lot.

Elsie joined the cribbage club and enjoyed bowling. It was a favorite family pastime.  Mom loved Avon products and always had a good supply. The Avon lady could always count on a sale.

After they retired they bought a park model home in Yuma Arizona. There they also met many new friends to share their winters with. They enjoyed gathering together to celebrate birthdays, New Years or any other holiday.

When grandchildren arrived, they made time to watch their ball games and to take them on camping trips to local mountain lakes.  Elsie loved her family and was a great cheerleader.

 Family and friends will remember that she never forgot a birthday. Her cards were carefully chosen and she expressed the love she felt for them.  Her penmanship was beautiful.

She cooked the best pork roast and gravy. Her Caesar salad recipe is still in demand. She enjoyed ironing and often volunteered to do mine when it piled up.  She was a thoughtful person.

Elsie can be remembered as a smart businesswoman, a loving mom and grandmother, a supportive wife, a loving sister and aunty, a fun and compassionate friend and someone that would care about you.

We will continue to remember her and miss her.  She would want everyone to enjoy their life and celebrate her passing with a glass of beer and a chuckle.  She will have a little clamato with hers.

Elsie is survived by her children Steven and Sharon (Gary).

Sisters Pat and Norma

Grandchildren, Jesse(Hiroko), Adam(Sheri), Shane(Stephanie), Dustin(Lisa), Suzanne, Branden(Riley), Sharlette(Pete).

13 Great Grandchildren

Nieces and Nephews

Step Children, Wayne, Laara, Linda and Vicky

A family gathering to celebrate her life will be planned at a later date.