Elsie Palmer, Founder of Living Through Loss
Counsellors and Office Staff | The Board | Volunteers | Elsie Palmer | Judy Capes
Elsie Palmer was the pioneer in grief and loss support in Vancouver. She started out with a support group for women at the YWCA and went on to start an agency called Life Resource Center, which supported and counseled all people who were dealing with loss.
In 1985 Elsie became my mentor, and through her generosity of spirit and caring for people she taught me the importance of support for people who were grieving. Elsie and I worked together until she retired from the agency, at which time I took over the position of executive director.
Elsie while still vital, compassionate and fun to be with, thought it better to move on and allow younger people to advance in their career. She wanted to give me the opportunity to put my stamp on the agency so not only did she leave the agency but the city, she moved to Victoria.
Elsie never lost her interest in the agency and we talked often about how LTLC was doing. We have lost a true pioneer in the grief and loss field and she will missed and thought of often with much love and respect.
Lynette Pollard-Elgert
Executive Director
LTLC
Vancouver Obituary
Palmer, Elsie Kemply (Bourne) passed away April 26, 2009 in Victoria after a brief illness. She will be sadly missed by her sons, Paul (Peggy) and John (Shelagh); two grandchildren, Sara (Ken) and Harley and two great-grandchildren Riley and Tegan, her sisters Ruth and Izzie, her nieces and nephews. “Ellie” was born in Vancouver Oct 14, 1919 and grew up in the lower mainland and Fraser Valley. She was an Air Force bride, marrying John E. “Duke” Palmer in 1943. They were posted many places across Canada as well as London, Eng., returning to Vancouver when Duke retired in 1965.
Following his early death in 1969 Ellie was left to raise John. Finding little help when she was suddenly widowed, she was determined to establish a resource for others thrust into the same, painful situation. This was to become the most rewarding part of Ellie's long life. After completing training at the Pastoral Institute she founded the Living Through Loss Counselling Society of B.C. (formerly L.I.F.E.) to provide information, counselling and support groups for the bereaved. Ellie co-authored “Living through Loss”, a valuable resource that is still in print and useful to many grateful widows.
In 1988 Ellie retired and settled in a comfortable townhouse in Victoria's James Bay area. She vowed to remain in her home all her life, scorning the idea of assisted living. The family are grateful that, apart from three weeks of recent illness, she got her wish to live a life independently.
Should you wish, donations can be made in her memory to:
- Living Through Loss Counselling,
201-1847 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC V6J 1Y6 - Artemis Place,
103-2610 Douglas St., Victoria, BC V8T 4M1 or - The Salvation Army
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