On November 1, 2026, peacefully at Montecillo Veterans Home and Hospital, surrounded by her loving family; in her 105th year. Dearly loved wife of Syd *, much loved mum and mother-in-law of Sandra* and Steve Gillies, Trevor and Cheryl, Warren and Vicki, Steph and Bernie Halford, Phil and Moana*. Karen and Sam Booth and a loved grandma, great grandma and great great grandma of all her grandchildren (*denotes deceased). Special thanks to the staff at Montecillo who Elsie considered her "2nd family", for all their loving care. - A service to celebrate Elsie's life will be held in Hope and Sons Chapel, 523 Andersons Bay Road, Dunedin at 10.30am on Friday, November 6, followed by private cremation. Messages to 36 Saunders Street, Brockville, Dunedin 9011
Service details
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104 years of life.... a lifetime of stories. How do you say goodbye to someone who has been part of the very beginning of your story? Grandma, without you there would be no Dad, and without Dad there would be no us. In all the ways, your life is interwoven into all of ours. 104 years. I can just imagine the stories you could tell. A Depression, A world war, six children, a marriage shaped by the times, and a world that changed beyond what you as a little girl could probably have ever imagined. You once said there had been more good times than bad... Perhaps that says everything about the perspective a lifetime gives you. Life wasn't always easy, but there is always so much that is worth holding onto. I will always appreciated you in my time of need... that despite our generational differences, you somehow understood and respected choices that perhaps weren't choices you could have made yourself. Your way of acknowledging this meant more than you probably knew. And now, I find comfort in imagining the reunion waiting for you. Your parents, your siblings, your husband, your beautiful friends, and pf course Mum. I suspect there will be plenty of catching up to do.... please give her a hug from us x Losing you so soon after Mum is another heartbreak, particularly for Dad. My heart aches for him. But I've trying really hard to understand that although grief is the same in its essence, these two losses are so very different. Mum's 61 years remind us how precious and fragile life is. Your 104 years remind us just how much life can hold. Thank you for the family you began, the generations that will follow, and the part you will always play in all of our stories. I hope your homecoming is everything we imagine it to be. Rest peacefully, Grandma. With so much love and admiration... Until we meet again. x
Dear Boot and Family. I am so terribly sorry for the loss of your beloved Mum. Supporting Elsie was such a privilege. Her strength and determination and her unwavering love for her family will forever keep a place in my heart. Sending so much love and strength over the coming days, weeks and months 🫶🏼
So sorry to hear of Auntie Elsie’s passing. Due to my knee operation shortly I won’t be with you in person but have booked to watch the livestream of her service. To al my cuzzies, Kia haha your mum was one in a million and I’ll always remember her. Ian
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My heartfelt condolences to the family during this difficult time. May the beautiful memories you shared bring you comfort and strength. Thinking of you and sending love, prayers and deepest sympathies
To Steph and the wider family, I'm so sorry for your loss. Your mum was an amazing woman and was so lucky to have family to take her on so many outings over the years. Please accept my sincere condolences.....Elaine
Rest in peace Elsie, what a beautiful soul. Always such a pleasure to be around. Sending my love to Elsie’s family. Toni (Habit Health)