Elsie Enns, cherished wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, peacefully passed away on April 24, 2024, at the age of 72 with family by her side. Born on January 17, 1952, in Namiquipa, Chihuahua, Mexico, she was the third of nine children born to Andrew and Minna Plett.
Growing up on the Quellen Colony in Mexico, Elsie loved her family and friends, nurturing a steadfast faith in Jesus from a young age. The family immigrated to Canada in December 1963, initially living in Blumenort before settling in Arborg. It was during this time that Elsie was baptized, cementing her commitment to her faith.
Active in church life, Elsie participated in youth group and choir practices. She loved the special programs they would perform at Christmas and Easter. Her passion for serving others led her to pursue nursing in 1972, and she graduated from Red River College as a Licensed Practical Nurse. She began her career at the Winkler Hospital, where she dedicated herself to caring for others.
In 1973, Elsie’s life took a new turn when she began dating Peter Enns. Through a dare with a friend, Elsie invited Peter on a Sadie Hawkins date. Their courtship blossomed, and they eventually married on August 17, 1974. Together, they embarked on a journey that saw them welcoming three children: Roxie, Eric, and Gene. Her love for her family was always evident and her greatest joy was to be with them. Despite the challenges that came her way in life, Elsie always remained steadfast in her commitment to her family and faith.
Elsie’s adventurous spirit extended to her love for travel, and she cherished family trips across North America, including Texas, Mexico, Belize, Southern Ontario, and Alberta. Her sense of adventure was evident by her desire to own both a Harley and Jaguar.
Throughout her life, Elsie’s unwavering faith and gratitude anchored her. She found solace and strength in prayer and Scripture, facing challenges with grace and resilience. Her deep faith sustained her through the challenges of life, including a severe vehicle accident in 1988 and various health struggles. It also brought her great peace in her final moments.
Elsie was predeceased by her parents Andrew & Minna Plett, sister Naomi, and brothers Vernon, Allan, and Dennis. She is survived by Peter, her husband of nearly 50 years, children Roxie (Quentin) Schroeder, Eric (Carol) Enns, and Gene (Marla) Enns; 12 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, and 4 sisters.
A celebration of life will be held at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at Crossview Church, 345 Loewen Blvd., Steinbach, MB, followed by a reception. Interment will take place in the Blumenort EMC Cemetery.