Elsie Couch

On Tuesday, June 6th in her 92nd year, the Lord called Mom to her eternal home and family. Welcoming her were her husband Jack, brothers Eino and Charles, mother Marria and father Kalle Manty.

Mom was born into a Finnish family and grew up in South Gillies. With the loss of her sister-in-law Carrie and soon after, at the age of 15, the loss of her father Kalle, Mom’s life became busy helping her mother Marria to raise her 5 nieces and nephews, a hearing challenged brother and working the family farm. Thus beginning her strong work ethics and a willingness to endure.

In 1943, Mom met and married her love and life partner, Jack. They shared 63 years of marriage, during which time, their two children Ann and Stan were born. Along with raising her children, Mom worked alongside husband Jack in Couch’s Store, delivering mail on the rural route and serving the community in various ways. 

Her house was made home to the many teachers, preachers and community workers; all who needed a place to reside. Both the store and her home were gathering places for friends to stop and discuss what might be happening in life.

Mom was an active member of the United Church and Women’s Institute. Sunday mornings she would busy herself preparing bread and wine for communion in the little country church across the way.

The happiest times of Mom’s life were spent in her kitchen preparing meals for family, friends and the community. During a special community event Mom could be seen walking across the road carrying a roast turkey to be served at precisely 5:00 p.m. SHARP. Her wedding cakes made from scratch could also be enjoyed by guests. To end the evening, Mom would be found in the kitchen with broom and mop in hand making sure everything was clean!

Her country life revolved around the seasons. Spring meant planting, summer was tending gardens and picking wild berries by the bushels full and in fall would come the smell of preserves. Shelves were filled with jams, jellies, relishes and pickles for all to enjoy.

Mom was also a sports enthusiast. She took part in disking, carpet bowling and shuffleboard. She was a cheerleader for all community ball teams Dad coached. Often heard in our home was a heated discussion as to who would win the MLB or NHL game on TV.

After retiring Mom and Dad moved to the city where she continued to serve others. A blue Sunfire in the driveway meant "meals on wheels” had arrived from Elsie’s kitchen. She busied herself in her kitchen, garden, playing her sports and serving in her church. After the death of Dad in 2004 Mom still remained very active in her new home at Jasper meeting many wonderful friends.

With her health continuing to fail, and within the last year, Mom left her home in Jasper and moved into Pinewood Court where she still attempted to remain active, keeping all the workers on their toes.

In life, Mom came through many challenges and changes. She faced all with determination and strength. She called a “spade a spade” and lately from her workers in Pinewood Court, I would hear “what a feisty lady!”

Left to carry on her legacy is daughter Ann (Robert) Nummikoski; son Stan (Marilyn); grandchildren Dan and Jackie Nummikoski, Tara (Donald) Cook, Ian (Kim) Couch and Fiona Duncan; great-grandchildren Evan and Karli, Ashlyn and Jack, Cody, Mason, Mitchell (Carly), Callum and Hope; special niece Ruth (Walter) Giba and nephew Bud (Hester) Manty. Many other nieces and nephews also survive.

A Christian Service to Celebrate the Life of Elsie will be held on Friday, June 9, 2017, at 11:00 a.m. at Calvary Lutheran Church with Pastor Tim Barone presiding. A time to meet with family will begin at 10:00 a.m. in the education wing of the church. Burial will take place in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Anyone wishing to make a memorial donation in memory of Elsie can do so to the Ronald McDonald House, 407 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8M8.