Elsie Lena Sawatzky (née Peters)
September 4, 1929 – June 5, 2025
On the evening of June 5, 2025, at 7:00 p.m., Elsie Lena Sawatzky peacefully slipped away to be with her Lord and Saviour. Although her health had declined in recent months, Elsie lived a full and vibrant 95 years, marked by deep faith, fierce independence, and abiding love for her family.
Elsie was born on September 4, 1929, in Crystal City, Manitoba, to Willy and Lena Peters (née Vogt). As the eldest child, she spent her early years on the family farm, where she found joy and purpose working alongside her father in the outdoors. She completed her elementary education at Sinkerville and Mount Prospect Schools, attended Grade 9 in Mather, and completed Grade 10 at Mennonite Collegiate Institute in Gretna.
Following her baptism after catechism classes, Elsie dedicated her life to the Lord. While attending Bible school in Altona, she met the love of her life, Henry Sawatzky. They were married in June 1948. The couple began their life together farming in Graysville before settling in Mather, where they worked the land alongside Elsie’s parents. During their farming years, their family grew significantly, with the addition of 8 children. In 1963, the Sawatzky family moved from rural life to Morden, welcoming one more child soon after and completing their family of nine.
Elsie was a devoted fulltime homemaker until her youngest began school. At the age of 40, she embarked on a new chapter as a career woman, beginning work at Quality Communications. She advanced to the position of supervisor and retired in 1987. Her retirement years were filled with extensive travel, much of it in RVs, with Henry by her side. Together they delivered motorhomes for Triple E and also enjoyed travels to warmer climates to avoid those cold winters.
Elsie had a deep love of reading and a passion for sports. Nothing brought her greater joy than watching her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren play hockey and baseball. Her presence—always encouraging, always proud—was a constant in their lives.
Elsie was predeceased by her beloved husband Henry, her daughter Esther, her sister Wanda, brothers Alvin and Art, sisters-in-law Herta and Anne, and brothers-in-law Peter, Hassan, and Jack.
She leaves behind a legacy of love and faith in her surviving children:
Carol Penner (Randy), (Murray Helps), Aldon (Connie), Marlene Cogbill (Dean), Ken (Marina), Angela, Garry, Daryl, and Rick (Nyomi);
11 grandchildren and their spouses;
17 great-grandchildren;
siblings and extended family;
as well as a wide circle of in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cherished friends.
Mom will be deeply missed. We will remember her for the sparkle in her eyes, her laughter, her unwavering strength, and her steadfast, unconditional love.
September 4, 1929 – June 5, 2025
On the evening of June 5, 2025, at 7:00 p.m., Elsie Lena Sawatzky peacefully slipped away to be with her Lord and Saviour. Although her health had declined in recent months, Elsie lived a full and vibrant 95 years, marked by deep faith, fierce independence, and abiding love for her family.
Elsie was born on September 4, 1929, in Crystal City, Manitoba, to Willy and Lena Peters (née Vogt). As the eldest child, she spent her early years on the family farm, where she found joy and purpose working alongside her father in the outdoors. She completed her elementary education at Sinkerville and Mount Prospect Schools, attended Grade 9 in Mather, and completed Grade 10 at Mennonite Collegiate Institute in Gretna.
Following her baptism after catechism classes, Elsie dedicated her life to the Lord. While attending Bible school in Altona, she met the love of her life, Henry Sawatzky. They were married in June 1948. The couple began their life together farming in Graysville before settling in Mather, where they worked the land alongside Elsie’s parents. During their farming years, their family grew significantly, with the addition of 8 children. In 1963, the Sawatzky family moved from rural life to Morden, welcoming one more child soon after and completing their family of nine.
Elsie was a devoted fulltime homemaker until her youngest began school. At the age of 40, she embarked on a new chapter as a career woman, beginning work at Quality Communications. She advanced to the position of supervisor and retired in 1987. Her retirement years were filled with extensive travel, much of it in RVs, with Henry by her side. Together they delivered motorhomes for Triple E and also enjoyed travels to warmer climates to avoid those cold winters.
Elsie had a deep love of reading and a passion for sports. Nothing brought her greater joy than watching her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren play hockey and baseball. Her presence—always encouraging, always proud—was a constant in their lives.
Elsie was predeceased by her beloved husband Henry, her daughter Esther, her sister Wanda, brothers Alvin and Art, sisters-in-law Herta and Anne, and brothers-in-law Peter, Hassan, and Jack.
She leaves behind a legacy of love and faith in her surviving children:
Carol Penner (Randy), (Murray Helps), Aldon (Connie), Marlene Cogbill (Dean), Ken (Marina), Angela, Garry, Daryl, and Rick (Nyomi);
11 grandchildren and their spouses;
17 great-grandchildren;
siblings and extended family;
as well as a wide circle of in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cherished friends.
Mom will be deeply missed. We will remember her for the sparkle in her eyes, her laughter, her unwavering strength, and her steadfast, unconditional love.