Tribute

Elsie Braun (nee Neustaedter) passed away peacefully June 25, 2020. Elsie was born October 16, 1931 in Niederchortitza, Soviet Ukraine to Kornelius and Emilie Neustaedter. She and her siblings shared an epic journey to find refuge during the tumultuous years of WWII. Once reunited as a family they emigrated to Paraguay in the post war years. It was there that she married her husband: Alwin Braun in 1952. His career path as a teacher afforded an opportunity to move to Uruguay for a few years.  Ultimately, they emigrated to Canada with their family of two sons (Rudy and Robert). Elsie had many dreams and she worked vigorously to achieve them. Perhaps her biggest realized dream was a career in nursing. Preceding her retirement in Abbotsford BC, she practiced in Winnipeg and Calgary for many years. Her most loved hobby was gardening, especially flowering plants. She spent many happy hours planning , procuring and planting beautiful blossoms often helped by her husband Alwin. In her later years in an assisted living facility she was often aided by her brother, Woldemar and her sister in law, Margaret Neustaedter. She appreciated their efforts profoundly.

She leaves behind her sons:  Rudy (Sharon) and Robert (Sandra Warkentin), grandchildren: Corry Lehmann (Kurt), Randy (Mellisa Neyedli and Jayden) , Constance Versteeg  (Jacco) and Rebecca,  great-grandchildren: Talia Glodjo, Carsten Lehmann,  Ivy and Hugo Versteeg. She is also survived by her siblings Kornelius (Margaret), Woldemar (Anyta) and Henry (Hilde) Neustaedter and Kathy (Peter) Peters.

She was predeceased by her parents, her sister Agnes on March 4, 2018 and  her husband Alwin in November 21, 2005. The family gratefully acknowledges the compassionate care Elsie received while living at the Menno Home. Special thanks are extended to Chaplain Ingrid and the staff of Menno Home EAST – 1, their frequent interactions with Elsie prior to her passing are very gratefully acknowledged. Their kind presence was of great comfort during Elsie’s last moments.”

A graveside service will be held Monday, July 13 at 10 a.m. at Maclure Road Cemetery, 33965 Maclure Road, Abbotsford.  If you are unable to attend in person you may virtually attend by going to https://www.funeralstreams.ca/watchservice.