Elsie Bartosek (Keba)
At 91, passed away peacefully on May 18, 2024. Her loss will leave a deep void for many who knew and loved her.
Elsie was born in HazelGlen, Manitoba, in 1932 to William and Teckla Keba. She was the youngest of ten children. Her siblings and dear cousin June, predeceased. With her passing comes the end of a generation for the Keba family. Elsie moved to Delhi, Ontario with her family in 1945, where she attended business college. She put her career on hold after marrying Joseph Bartosek (deceased) in 1951.
She was a loving mother to David (Margaret) Simcoe, Dale-Marie Smith (Kevin) Guelph, Paul (Cheryl) Kitchener, Brenda (Windsor). Elsie was a devoted Grandma to Zoe, Korrine, Rachel, Amanda, Leonard, Matthew, and Michael. She was so grateful to be the Great- Grandmother (Baba) to Tarynn, Mackenzie, McKenna, Makayla, Katelynn, Noah, Merritt, and MaryJane.
Once her children were young adults, Elsie returned to her chosen career as administrative assistant and spent two decades working in the legal, governmental and medical fields.
Elsie was an avid reader and lifelong learner. Sadly. in her late 60s, Elsie began to progressively lose her sight, gradually decreasing her ability to read. Through the generosity of CELA, Centre for Equitable Library Access, and the Canadian Institute for the Blind, she was able to acquire sight aids and an audio reader which became her lifeline to adventure, travel and new learning. She was deeply grateful to the Kitchener Public Library volunteers who, for decades, provided first large print books , then audio books which brought her so much joy.
We would like to thank the caring staff of Lanark Heights Long Term Care Home where Mom spent her last few months. Also the generous assistance of ongoing homecare providers who helped her in her goal to remain living independently for as long as possible.
Elsie's kindness, warmth and humility were her hallmarks, and she will be deeply missed by family and friends.
Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00am, Saturday, May 25, 2024, at St Anthony Daniel Parish Church, 29 Midland Drive, Kitchener. You are invited to attend a gathering and luncheon following the service at Parish Life Center which is adjoined to the church.
Donations may be made to the Canadian National Institute for the Blind. (CNIB).
Internment will take place at a later date.
Messages and condolences may be left for the family at www.tricitycremations.com or 519.772.1237. Please visit Elsie’s obituary notice on Facebook.