Obituary of Elsa Helen Doucette
DOUCETTE, Elsa Helen (nee Peltomaki)
With heavy hearts, we announce the unexpected passing of our incredible Mother, Grandmother and Sister on Friday, June 4, 2021 at the age of 78. She joins her beloved husband, Arnold (1979) in Heaven. Much loved mother of Steve (Liz), Randy (Tamara), Corinne (Thomas) Rowland and Marcia (Randy) Coutu. Grandma of Jason and Eric Doucette, Evan and Ayla Rowland and Aidan Coutu. Dear sister of Leo Peltomaki. Cherished sister-in-law of Di Doucette (Rob, 2007). Loved aunt of Ed (Lisa) Doucette and Dave (Christina) Doucette. Friend and inspiration to everyone who had the good fortune to know her.
Elsa was born near Timmins, Ontario. Following her birth, her family moved to the Niagara area. Elsa gathered life-long friends while attending grade school in the Beamsville area. While working at the A&W during high school, she was pursued, and fell madly in love with Arnie. She graduated from Beamsville District Secondary School in 1961, and moved to St. Catharines, where she began working as a teller in the banking industry.
In 1963, Elsa and Arnie were married. Together they had 4 kids. Suddenly widowed at the age of 35, Elsa successfully filled the role of both parents, supporting her kids in hockey, softball, bowling and music lessons.
In 1983, she became the Finance Administrator at Denis Morris Catholic High School. She retired in 2007, at the age of 64. The impact of her time at DM is evidenced by hundreds of online tributes recently shared by former students and staff alike.
A devout member of St. Mary of the Assumption parish in St. Catharines, she volunteered much of her time there. At the time of her death, she was the Secretary of their CWL and helped with St. Vincent de Paul.
Elsa cheerfully made time to help care for her grandkids, and looked forward to spending time with them. She loved travelling with friends, and getting together with her ladies for weekly dinners out. She rarely missed a Habs or Blue Jays telecast, and was thrilled that her favourite “Vladdy” was having a great season. She faithfully tuned in to watch both EastEnders and Coronation Street (where everything can be fixed with a cup of tea) and spent time listening to her first love, Elvis. She's known for her remarkable efforts to keep in touch with people, no matter the distance. And, she never forgot to send a card. Ever.
In accordance with Elsa’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Due to the Ontario Provincial Regulation (Covid), a Funeral Mass will take place at St. Mary of the Assumption Church in St. Catharines, on Tuesday, June 15, 2021 at 12 p.m. A live stream of the funeral will be made available on the church’s Facebook page. Memorial donations may be made to the St. Mary’s CWL or St. Mary’s St. Vincent de Paul.
If you wish to watch the live stream please click the link below. Once the live stream has started the video will pop up on the page:
