Obituary of Elsie Ethel Fanning

Mourning our loss, celebrating her life. Elsie was born Oct. 9, 1921 at Cross Roads Country Harbour, the only daughter of loving parents Alexander and Thirza (Smith) Johnstone. Having 5 brothers, she said she learned to be rough and tough, but we’ve been told she was spoiled. In 1941 she moved with her family to Sunny Brae and proudly adopted Sunny Brae as her home. During the war years she worked as a machinist at the Gun Shop in Trenton. There she made lasting friends. In later years she helped form the Gun Shop Memory Club. As a group they organized many interesting and enjoyable events. In 1946 she married overseas war veteran (RCAF) Ford Fanning and together they built their home and raised their family in Sunny Brae Mum was a very active member of her church and community. She taught Sunday School, was a member of the UCW, was active in Home and School and the Sunny Brae Cemetery Committee to name a few. She found time to welcome new families to the community, always bringing a casserole or dessert. She often was called upon when sickness or tragedy struck the community. Mum was an avid quilter and rug hooker. She did her own baking, so it was a treat for us to have a store-bought cookie! Fall was her favorite time of year, and she would have a large supply of preserves for the winter. In 1997 she became a widow and in 2001 decided to move to Haven Brook Manor where again she made many friends and participated in activities. In later years Mum enjoyed travelling on bus tours to many destinations with Dad. When his health failed, she went with friends. In her 80’s she ventured on her first airplane trip with a group of cousins touring Europe. Other Plane Trips followed. When her health started failing Mum moved to Valley View Villa where again, she made friends and took part in the many activities offered. We are thankful for the kindness of the staff of Valley View Villa in all departments, not only to Mum, but to us as well. Mum was predeceased by her husband Ford, brothers Chalmers (Mae), Albert (Kathleen), George (Jackie) and Lewis. She is survived by a brother James (Bessie) Johnstone and sister-in-law Vera Johnstone. Elsie is also survived by son Wayne (Alta) Fanning, Valley; daughter Wanda (Charlie) Cameron, Springville; grandchildren Jonathan, Matthew, Emily Fanning; Daniel and Darrel Cameron; great-grandchildren Nate, Ruth, and Anna Cameron; Mackayla Fanning and Ariana Cameron; several cousins and many nieces and nephews. Due to Covid-19 a private funeral service will be held in the H.W. Angus Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Donna Tourneur officiating. A public graveside service will be held at 1 pm on Friday, September 17 in the Sunny Brae Cemetery. To quote Mum “We Had A Good Life” www.angusfuneralhomes.com