Elaine Gail Marsh
February 9th, 2015
MARSH, Elaine Gail
May 27, 1959 – February 09, 2015
Elaine was born May 27, 1959 in Didsbury, Alberta to Gordon and Betty Marsh; a sister to Maxine McGregor and later Murray (Debbie) Marsh. She grew up on the family farm among many Aunts, Uncles, and cousins. She went to Midway School nearby from Grade 1-8 and then to Carstairs to finish high school. She had an outgoing nature and enjoyed a busy social life. Elaine enjoyed horses, learned piano, played basketball, was active with the school council and on the School Yearbook Committee.
After high school, Elaine went on a farm exchange to Victoria, Australia for 7 months working and travelling. After returning home, she worked a few jobs before deciding to study at the University of Victoria, B.C.
It was at this time we, Elaine’s family, became aware she was having great personal difficulties. She dropped out after the first term and returned home, still attempting to keep herself composed. After several months of confusing experiences, very emotional breakdowns and many attempts to find help, Elaine was diagnosed with Schizophrenia.
The extent to which this disease affected Elaine’s life and the rest of her family is difficult to describe briefly. It severely impacted her ability to be herself. This disease which affects the brain, disabled her and she lived the next 30 years of her life with her mum and dad. During these years the constant she had was the love of her family, Aunts, Uncles, siblings, cousins, nephews and nieces. She experienced many swings to her stable mind during those years, but after hospitalization she eventually always became settled again. She met Harold Williams in 2009, whom she loved and stayed close with until her passing.
Elaine was predeceased by her father, Gordon; brother-in-law, Jim McGregor; and cousins, Jim White and Ken Marsh.
She began living independently in Olds in 2011 after the passing of her dad and met new people that helped her feel at home there. She loved the little home on 51st Street and her new neighbors there.
In the autumn of 2014, it was discovered Elaine had cancer and after some brief hospitalization was facing another obstacle to her health. She faced it with courage and with the support of her family and community. While receiving treatment in Foothills Hospital, she suddenly passed away due to complications from the cancer. We are thankful she had experienced no pain and was not alone at the time of her passing.
We wish to thank all the hospital and nursing staff that have cared for Elaine over the years for the often difficult job they had. In Lieu of flowers donations in Memory of Elaine can be made to the Schizophrenia Society of Alberta at;
www.schizophrenia.ab.ca online, or by mail to:
4811 48 Ave
Red Deer, AB T4N 3T2
Phone: 403.342.5760
Fax: 403.342.4866
Email: JLund@schizophrenia.ab.ca
I worked with Elaine for more than twenty-five years. I hope she learned as much from me, as I learned from her. Elaine had more health challenges than any one person should ever face, and in spite of these she always could see a positive and have a good laugh. I will miss you Elaine. Enjoy a well-deserved rest.