Obituary of Elma Kaptein

Kaptein, Elma – Passed away peacefully at Albright Manor, in her 100th year, on May 20th, 2021.  Predeceased by her husband, Edward (May 26, 1998).  She leaves behind her daughters and their families: Renate & Bob Kessaram (Ted & Devi; Robyn, Nathan, Tanuja; Alex); Edith & Walter Zimmermann; Leona & Joe Kubes (Mike & Shannon; Charlotte, Noah; Andy & Jacqueline; Molly & Zach Cole); Krista Kaptein & Frank Hovenden; Karen & Rob McMaster (Matt & Vanessa; Ben, Sarah, Adam).

Mommy was born in Tumpiai, Lithuania on January 2, 1922, to Julius and Clara Hirsch. With younger sister Wanda, older sister Erna, and half-brother Richard, the family made their way to Germany when she was young.  After WWII, she immigrated to Canada, where Daddy had arrived earlier.  They married on February 24, 1951, settling first on the little farm in Caistorville, before moving to the bigger farm in 1958.  Life on the farm with an extended family wasn’t easy, but she managed to raise 5 children, countless chicken and geese, plant huge vegetable gardens and regularly make homemade breads, jams, and preserves.  She mastered “reduce/reuse/recycle” before it was trendy.  Being surrounded by family made her happy, and there were certainly enough of us to accomplish that over the years.  From her first grandchild (Ted) to her last (that little shrimp, Adam), she loved them all, babysat them at various times and talked about them to whoever would listen.  Great-grandchildren added more joy and she loved their hugs and cuddles.  She remained on the farm until the age of 96, then moved to Albright for a new chapter in her life.  She enjoyed that phase, where she learned to play bingo and tried French toast for the first time, attended the weddings of two grandchildren, sent a video wedding message to another grandchild across the country, perfected her UNO game and marvelled at the age of those around her.

She gave each of us special memories.  We will think of her when we see red peonies, eat rhubarb pie,  sauerkraut & sausage or leberwurst.  Sadly, none of us share her love of pickled herring.  Among many other things, she will be remembered for her carrot cake, canned pears, devilled eggs and mushroom sauce (whose recipe we have not yet perfected, despite her instructions), her crocheted tablecloths and needlework and countless stories read to the grandchildren. How she found the time to be so creative and resourceful while raising a large family is truly remarkable!

Due to COVID restrictions, a private family service will be held, with burial at Caistorville United Church Cemetery.  A celebration of life will be held at a later date, when family from Australia, Halifax, Vancouver Island and locally can gather together.  If desired, please make a memorial donation to a charity of your choice in her memory.

Special thanks to all of the staff at Albright for their care and assistance since Mommy’s arrival, particularly RPNs Shani and Kristen, and PSWs Norah and Heather in her final weeks.

We all miss her terribly, but have many memories to comfort us.