Obituary for Else Vejen Peterson
Peterson, Else Vejen - Else Peterson, nee Madsen's spirit left us on April 4, 2021, but she left behind many memories of a special woman whose fiery spirit and determination gave her strength to carry on with dignity and pride no matter the circumstance.
Born in Denmark in 1936, she lived through German occupation during WWII and told tales of those difficult times.
She married Vagn Peterson in Norway in 1956, and they had 53 years together before he passed away in 2009. They moved to Vancouver with dreams of a better life. However, these quickly evaporated as no one would hire them, even as housekeeping staff, because they had no Canadian experience. They were nearly destitute that first Christmas and would have been if not for the help of the Salvation Army. Having given up on their dreams, Vagn and Else were returning to Norway when Vagn found a job in Toronto. They spent several years there before moving to Temagami, where they spent most of their marriage with time also spent in Haileybury, New Liskeard, and North Bay.
While Else is best known as Vagn's capable partner in the management of the Scandia Inn and for her wonderful cuisine at the Copenhagen Dining Room, her favourite memories were from her years spent on Garden Island on Lake Temagami. She always remembered with fondness their little cabin and their friends there.
Else is predeceased by her husband, Vagn Peterson, as well as her parents. She is survived by her two sisters, one in Sweden and the other in Norway, as well as their families.
She will be missed by her 'Temagami family', but we will treasure our memories and the beautiful handiwork she left behind.
Heartfelt thanks go to the staff of Temiskaming Lodge for being there for her when we could not. She appreciated you and your thoughtfulness and often told us she was very well cared for. She never wanted anything done in her memory. She felt there was no sense in doing something for someone who was no longer there. As much as she deserves to be celebrated her wishes will be honoured. For those who knew her, hold your memories close and never forget this remarkable woman.
In keeping with Elses wishes, cremation has taken place at Lakeview crematorium, Haileybury. Memorial contributions to the Salvation Army or to the Temiskaming Diabetes Association will be gratefully acknowledged by the family. Condolences and contributions may be left at www.buffamleveille.com.
Born in Denmark in 1936, she lived through German occupation during WWII and told tales of those difficult times.
She married Vagn Peterson in Norway in 1956, and they had 53 years together before he passed away in 2009. They moved to Vancouver with dreams of a better life. However, these quickly evaporated as no one would hire them, even as housekeeping staff, because they had no Canadian experience. They were nearly destitute that first Christmas and would have been if not for the help of the Salvation Army. Having given up on their dreams, Vagn and Else were returning to Norway when Vagn found a job in Toronto. They spent several years there before moving to Temagami, where they spent most of their marriage with time also spent in Haileybury, New Liskeard, and North Bay.
While Else is best known as Vagn's capable partner in the management of the Scandia Inn and for her wonderful cuisine at the Copenhagen Dining Room, her favourite memories were from her years spent on Garden Island on Lake Temagami. She always remembered with fondness their little cabin and their friends there.
Else is predeceased by her husband, Vagn Peterson, as well as her parents. She is survived by her two sisters, one in Sweden and the other in Norway, as well as their families.
She will be missed by her 'Temagami family', but we will treasure our memories and the beautiful handiwork she left behind.
Heartfelt thanks go to the staff of Temiskaming Lodge for being there for her when we could not. She appreciated you and your thoughtfulness and often told us she was very well cared for. She never wanted anything done in her memory. She felt there was no sense in doing something for someone who was no longer there. As much as she deserves to be celebrated her wishes will be honoured. For those who knew her, hold your memories close and never forget this remarkable woman.
In keeping with Elses wishes, cremation has taken place at Lakeview crematorium, Haileybury. Memorial contributions to the Salvation Army or to the Temiskaming Diabetes Association will be gratefully acknowledged by the family. Condolences and contributions may be left at www.buffamleveille.com.