Obituary of Elsie Julia (Melnick) O'Donnell

Elsie Julia (Melnick) O’Donnell, 85 Glace Bay, N.S. It is with great sorrow, that we announce the passing of our loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, Elsie Julia (Melnick) O’Donnell, 85, in the Seaview Manor, Glace Bay, on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, with her loving family at her side. Elsie was the daughter of the late Joseph and Georgette Melnick of Glace Bay. Ma was employed with various jobs during her working years (Cashier, Meat Cutter, Bartender, Waitress, and Cook) all of which she enjoyed immensely. Elsie was an avid cook and baker for her six children and many grandchildren who enjoyed visiting Nana and Granny. Her Bread was the best, especially right from the oven, not to forget her delicious Cinnamon Rolls, and one of her many treats at Christmas time, her scrumptious Carrot Cake. Ma was also pretty handy with a sewing machine, making her quilts, curtains, and crafts; she was an avid puzzle assembler and loved a good game of Rummy 500, and of course she always “won”. Ma was an outgoing woman most of her life and was appreciated by many who spent time with her. Back in the day she enjoyed a game of lob ball, a drink of rum and a Jig or two. Elsie enjoyed ice skating at the Miners Forum where she met her late husband Gary (Puddins) her soulmate, and together they raised six wonderful children: Debbie, Joe (Vera), Kathy, Danny (Sheila), Jimmy, and Kenny; Elsie is also survived by her siblings: Joey (Thelma), Eddie, George (Cassie), Lorraine Kelly; as well as several grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Along with her husband Gary (2006), Elsie was predeceased by a grandson Matthew Walsh, great granddaughter Jazmine Rose O’Donnell, sisters Frances Dupe (Cookie) and Josie Kennedy. Special thank you to the staff at Seaview Manor (Tidalview and Oceanview), Palliative Care Wing, for all the compassion and endless care, as well as professionalism, shown to our mother throughout her stay and illness. We would also like to thank VON and New Waterford Homecare for their excellent care administered at her home 26 Minto St., she did not always show her gratitude but certainly spoke of it often to her family. Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, from 12-1 p.m., and a Celebration of Life to follow at 1 p.m., with Fr. MacLeen presiding, all taking place in T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, 370 Reserve St., Glace Bay, N.S. 902-849-4199. Interment to follow in St. John’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Seaview Manor in Elsie’s Memory. Words of comfort may be expressed to the family by visiting www.tjtracey.com. Ma you are the best (Jesus in a Dress) You will always be in our hearts. Give Da hugs for us, till we meet again. We love You!