1940-11-30 - 2023-12-24
At 5:11 p.m. on Christmas Eve we lost my beloved big sister, Elaine Petersen. My husband, Todd Weleschuk and I were by her side and are heartbroken. She also leaves behind her husband of 56 years, Bob (Borge) Petersen, a resident at AgeCare West Williams in Kitchener. A fiercely independent and private person, her wishes were for cremation and no formal funeral. We are incredibly grateful for Bob and Myra Trench and The Listowel Community Family Funeral Home for guiding us through and helping us fulfill all of Elaine's wishes. In the Spring, her ashes will be interred beside our mother, father, and brother David in the Teeswater-Culross Cemetery.
In addition to Todd and me, Elaine leaves behind many cousins with whom we all grew up in Teeswater. In particular, she leaves behind her beloved cousin, Sandra Fraser-Lilley who, in so many ways, was the sister she never had.
Elaine’s talents were endless, but she will be remembered fondly as a successful breeder of Golden Retrievers. Her love of animals knew no bounds. Hopefully, the picture I’ve included helps capture the essence of my sister. We can’t thank enough my cousins Mike Lilley and Brenda Lilley for taking her last Golden, Finlay, into their home, and dear friends for providing ‘for ever’ homes for her three cats (Timmy, Lyric, and Chanter).
Todd and I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Elaine’s caring and loving Elmira neighbours for everything they have done for her over all the years and, in particular, these last very difficult six years. We couldn’t have asked for better care than what Elaine received from the staff in the Palliative Care section at Freeport Hospital in Kitchener. Finally, Todd and I would like to thank Heather Jeffrey for all her guidance, support, and love over the last six years. For Heather it’s far more than a job, it’s her life. She has truly been our personal angel as we navigated through this journey.
God speed, Elaine. There’s a big family party and a load of puppies needing training waiting for you on the other side.
Bob Worrall