Elsie May Wells (nee Symonds)

With broken hearts, we regret to announce the unexpected, but peaceful passing of Elsie May Wells (nee Symonds) age 77, at St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital on March 18th, 2024.

Elsie is predeceased by her Husband, Doug, who passed away in February 2023; her parents: Edgar and Winnifred Symonds; brother Don Symonds; and parents-in-law: Graham and Ida Wells.

Left to celebrate her life with wonderful memories are her cherished daughters and sons-in-law: Kim, Lisa (Harold Fleet) and Jennifer (Steve Grandy); her adored and adoring grandchildren: Noah Grandy and Leah Fleet, as well as her grand-pets, Tilley and Fallon; brothers: Doug Symonds (Ann), Alex Symonds (Jenny), Max Symonds, David Symonds (Christine); sister Barbara Coish (Ron); brother-in-law and sister-in-law: Eric and Bertha Wells; special aunt-in-law Viola Tibbs; as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, numerous relatives, extended family, and dearest friends.

Elsie was passionate about her 37-year career in nursing. She graduated in 1969 from the General Hospital School of Nursing and after working in a variety of areas, landed in Day Surgery at the Health Sciences Centre, working there for 27 years until her retirement in 2006. She was strongly devoted and dedicated to her profession, consistently demonstrating kindness, compassion, and professionalism. Her nursing colleagues, many of whom became lifelong friends, would agree. Her years of nursing were a source of pride for her as she continued to speak highly of her time and the profession following her retirement.

In her retirement, Elsie thrived in learning new activities including line dancing and bridge, where she developed some newfound friendships. She was a member, and former executive member, of the Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) and PROBUS St. John’s, where she happily and diligently gave her time volunteering in many of the events and initiatives as part of these organizations. She was an avid reader, thoroughly enjoying a good old-fashioned book, a trip to the library, and book clubs; a classic movie and dancing enthusiast, spending hours indulging in the black and white screen talking about the old cinema classics, watching “Dancing with the Stars”, and attending every dancing related performance she could. 

Elsie was always up for a family or social event, a baby/wedding shower, book club meeting, or an informal coffee with friends. She also loved to travel and was fortunate to have visited many countries around the world.

Elsie loved her family and friends fiercely and was their biggest champion and supporter. As a Wife, she spent 55 years with Doug building a family together. As a Mother and Mother-in-Law, her continued support was endless; and as the eldest of 7 children, she was the big sister, always there to lend a hand. As Nana to Noah and Leah, she didn’t miss a moment. She, with Papa, welcomed the opportunity to help with childcare in the early years; and as they grew, enjoyed attending school events, hockey and soccer games, dance competitions and recitals, and was a huge supporter of their interests, education, and watching them grow into young adults. An incredible Wife, Mother, Nana, Sister, Sister-in-Law, Friend, Role Model, and overall beautiful person full of integrity, principle, strength, kindness and love, Elsie’s shining light will live on.

The family would like to thank Dr. Patricia Power, Dr. Carla Saldanha, Dr. Genevieve MacAulay Vacheresse, and the staff of the Dr. H Bliss Murphy Cancer Centre for their ongoing care since 2018. The family would also like to thank the paramedics, emergency room staff, and Dr. Emma McIlveen-Brown at St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital for the care, kindness, and professionalism shown to Mom and our family on the day of her passing.

Cremation has taken place as per Elsie’s wishes. A funeral service will be held at Barrett’s Funeral Home Mount Pearl Chapel at 11:00am on Thursday, March 28, 2024, for those unable to attend the service will be livestreamed. Please visit www.barretts.ca and follow the link provided. Interment to follow at the Anglican Cemetery on Kenmount Road; and a Celebration of Elsie’s life to be held in the afternoon from 2:00-5:00pm at Glendenning Golf Course, 120 Gabriel Road, Southlands, St. John’s. All are welcome.

Elsie loved her grand-pets and wanted all animals to find a loving home. Donations in Elsie’s memory can be made to the Bell Island Cat Rescue (bellislandcatrescue@gmail.com), Beagle Paws Rescue, SPCA St. John’s, or another animal rescue of one’s choice.

There are some who bring a light so great to the world that even after they have gone the light remains.