Elsie Realini September 16, 1945 - June 10, 2024

After months of battling against declining health, Elsie passed away at the Dryden Regional Health Centre peacefully surrounded by family.

Elsie was born in Fort Frances to Olga and Fred Alexander. She was raised in Sioux Lookout and later moved to Dinorwic. After proudly finishing college courses in 1978 with three kids at home, she began her working career for the Town of Dryden as a Tax Clerk and then transitioned to the Welfare Office which later became Ontario Works. She retired as the Welfare Administrator for the City of Dryden in 2001. She had a soft spot for those who needed help and was quick to defend them, but could also be tough when the situation called for it. She was also the Post Mistress and Fur Stamper in Dinorwic. She served several years as the local roads board secretary for Southworth Township.

After her retirement she enjoyed many happy winters in Mesa, Arizona; she loved her time there and met many new friends. It was there that she met her special friend George Tonderum (Emmetsburg, lowa); they enjoyed each other’s company until his passing in February 2024.

Elsie’s summers were spent baking cookies, pies and cakes. She took great delight in handing out bags of sweeties and “dirty pretzels” to everyone she knew and hosting happy hour for anyone who wished to stop by. Her favourite country tunes were often playing in the background.

Elsie was a social person who relished being out with friends and family. She enjoyed going out for dinner with her retired co-workers, The Birthday Girls and other close friends. The Riverview Lodge was her favourite spot. She could never get enough lobster and always looked forward to the annual lobster and seafood dinner put on by Newfoundland & Labrador Heritage Club of Dryden; the phone number for the truck carrying the fresh lobster from the East Coast was on the front page of her phone book. Her trips to the Shooting Star Casino with her dear friends Diane and Keith Apland were another of her cherished outings.

Elsie was predeceased by her husband Ray Realini, son Willy Bartz, brothers Bradley and Garnet and her parents Fred and Olga Alexander. She is survived by her son Danny Bartz of Ladysmith, BC and daughter Theresa Bartz of Vernon, BC. Also left to miss her are her sisters Doretta Glessing of Minot, ND and Ann Czinkota of Dryden along with her brothers Sam of Courtenay, BC, Charles (Mary Beth) of Dryden and Danny (Karen) of Winnipeg, MB. She is also survived by her grandsons Logan and Adam and many nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank the nursing staff at the Dryden Hospital for the excellent care and compassion they gave her, particularly in her last three weeks. Your kindness will always be remembered.