ELSIE SEMEN

1924 ~ 2014
Mrs. Elsie Semen, beloved wife of the late Mr. John Semen, passed away at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital on Saturday, March 15, 2014, at the age of 89 years.  Elsie’s memory will be cherished by her son, Gary Semen (Lynda Neil);  two daughters, Rae (Tony) Sedlacek and Tracy (Ken Johnson) Semen as well as two grandchildren, Josh Roeke and Chase Roeke.  Elsie was born on November 24, 1924, on the family farm in the Maple Creek area.  Elsie was an exceptional writer.  While still in the Maple Creek area, she wrote numerous short stories that were published in a popular column of that paper.  Early on in life, Elsie worked as a school teacher, then later on as a Dental Assistant after moving to Medicine Hat.  With her husband, John, this is where she raised her three children.  Elsie was a woman of many talents.  She did taxidermy work on Rattle Snakes, Bull Snakes and Birds, sometimes making belts out of the snake skins.    She also sewed beautiful doll clothing and made impressive Halloween costumes that she often won prizes on! She was a talented Oil Painter and musician, playing both the flute and guitar.  Elsie was a collector.  She enjoyed going on hikes where she would watch for Indian Relics, Fossils, petrified wood and Juniper.  Elsie enjoyed refinishing antiques and had a huge collection of them for herself that included a formidable display of Carnival Glass.  Elsie loved nature and the outdoors, including bird watching (especially her Blue Jays).  She spent much time camping in her younger years and later in life enjoyed gardening and working with flowers and shrubs.  Elsie was an avid reader, but also enjoyed her many trips to Las Vegas, often playing cards until the wee hours of the morning.  She was a wonderful woman with a great sense of humour and will be greatly missed.  A Celebration of Elsie’s life will be held at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Wednesday, March 19, 2014, at 2:00 P.M. with Reverend Julianna Wehrfritz-Hanson officiating.  A reception will follow immediately thereafter in the Cook Southland Reception Center.  (Condolences may be expressed by visiting www.cooksouthland.com)  If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Elsie’s name may be made directly to the charity of one’s choice.  Honoured to serve the family is COOK SOUTHLAND Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 4V4.  Telephone:  403-527-6455.