Elza May Taplin (nee Ryden)

Obituary

Passed on December 29, 2019

Born Feb 2, 1934. Passed away in Goodwin Lodge on December 29, 2019. Mum is survived by her three daughters Janice, Sandy (Stuart) Hallam & Judy Delannoy (Murray Fordham). Grand and great-grandchildren: Sara (Derri) Tory and Tannum; David Hallam; Lynn (Lyle) Flinta, Colby & Morgan; Melanie (Craig) MacCarthy, Hayden & Kiersten; Pam (Danny) Galatiuk, Lathen & Lochlan. Brother John (Sandra) Ryden, and in-laws Mary Ryden; Shirl Taplin; Don & Muriel Taplin; Fred & Elaine Taplin; Audrey Taplin; Ken & Sharon Taplin; and numerous nieces and nephews. She is also lovingly remembered by Marcel Delannoy. Mum was predeceased by parents Clifford and Jean Ryden, husband Ray, brother Frank and his wife Marjorie, brother Edwin, brothers-in-law Orv and Lloyd Taplin, niece Marlene Olson and nephew Keith Taplin. Mum was raised on the family farm west of Eriksdale, the second of 4 children. She completed basic education in Clydebank school, and went on to graduate St. Mary’s Academy in Winnipeg to achieve her teaching certificate. Mum met dad while teaching school in Argyle. They were married in July 1956. She left teaching when they began their family. They moved to the farm northwest of Balmoral in the early 60’s, and mum returned to teaching in 1965. She taught grades 1 & 2 in Balmoral until she retired in 1994. Mum was devoted to her school kids, always ensuring she had additional supplies should one need, sewing concert costumes, and spending weekends or evenings decorating the school room. Mum was active in the Teulon Hospital Women’s Auxiliary, and worked with the wives of the Balmoral Hall Board members preparing meals for numerous functions. She often said some of the best times of her life were the dances in Balmoral; where everyone got up to romp to country or rock music, or dance to square dances called by Tom Watts or Bob Appleyard. Mum worked hard. Apart from teaching, she kept a large garden, looked after home and yard and did all of the extras farm women did then. Mum always made sure everyone was fed, and seemed able to put an impromptu meal together for as many people who showed up or dropped in. It was mum who sacrificed to ensure we kids had what we needed. She always taught us ‘be able to look after yourself’, and she exemplified a ‘can do’ attitude. Mum’s pleasures in life were the grandchildren. She kept a large garden, and loved her flowers, the dogs and the cats. Though she often despaired over dad’s collection of horses, she cried when some family favorites were sold. Mum was a woman of strong faith, and did serve for a time as secretary with the St. John Vianney church lady’s group in Teulon. Mum was capable of speaking her mind, even more so when dementia freed her from the usual social constraints. In 2010, Mum and dad moved to Cedar Lodge in Teulon, where she enjoyed socializing in the common room and especially winning at bingo. A memorial service will be held at a future date. Thank you to Ken Loehmer Funeral Services, Teulon, for their support and arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Goodwin Lodge P.C.H., please make cheques payable to Teulon Healthcare Foundation Inc., Box 312, Teulon, Manitoba, R0C 3B0. Thank you to those involved in mum’s care in Teulon Hunter Memorial Hospital, and especially to the staff in Goodwin Lodge for the compassion and respect shown mum in the last chapter of her life. The angels have welcomed her.

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