Book of Memories for Elsie May Bragg

Story shared: Tribute To Elsie

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 10:10:40 EDT

"I met Elsie Bragg more than 40 years ago, and I would like to tell you about how she enriched my life, and became my second mother. My connection with Elsie Bragg began in the winter of 1970, when I visited Greenspond for the first time. I was warmly welcomed by the Bragg family, and found out afterwards that Elsie had spent some time preparing for my visit, with a pot of soup, stair mats put away, an electric blanket for my bed, and her good dishes out. And when, despite all that comfort, I still got sick, I was treated to as fine a cold remedy as one could ever have (warm molasses and butter, with a secret ingredient which I'm sure couldn't have been legal, that must have been meant to shock the sickness right out of you!) Something must have clicked with me and the Braggs, because I kept coming back - by ferry, by small boat from Shamblers Cove, or by having a nice winter stroll on the harbor ice from Pool's Island. After Don Bragg and I married in 1972, my parents made a couple of trips to Greenspond. They really got along well with Reg and Elsie Bragg – they played cards and socialized - but the highlight of each trip, and for each Christmas afterwards, wherever we were, was the fruit cake Elsie was so well known for. My father called it “Elsie Cake”, and he demanded we save some for him every Christmas until his death. Things changed for Elsie in 1973 when Reg Bragg passed away, far too young. Elsie was totally numbed by his death, but when she was able to, she put her entire focus on her family. Grandchildren came, beginning in December of that same year, first Reg, so proudly named after his grandfather, then Sherri, Mark, Jennifer, Jodie, and Paul all within six years, then Matthew, the youngest, several years later. We often gathered at Elsie's home, and her delight in having all her family around was obvious. She always knew where each grandchild was at any given moment, and she always had time to talk to them, read stories, play cards or Bingo, and give them snacks and the ever-present coins and $5.00 bills. She was the first one up on Sunday mornings, making sure that they had breakfast. None of the grandchildren were fortunate enough to know their grandfather Bragg, but they all dearly loved their Nan. And as they grew, she maintained a loving presence in their lives. They were always quick to point out whose house she had spent Christmas at each year, and whose turn it was next! When Don's and my children were 8 and 11, I received the most unwelcome news that my mother was seriously ill. I'll never forget Elsie's words when I told her - “I'll be there for you”, she said. And she was. As I made numerous trips to Halifax during my mother's illness, Elsie would help Don, Mark and Paul in every way she could – making meals, babysitting, tidying the house - so that when I came back physically and emotionally exhausted there was no need to catch up on housework or anything else – I just went back to work as usual, until the next trip. Then when my mother passed away in 1989, and again when my father passed away three years later, she was there to help with her grandchildren. The Bragg family was thrown into another very sorrowful time with the sudden death of Gary Best in 1997. Again Elsie threw her attention to her family, supporting Joan and her daughters as best she could. Everyone had been looking forward to the upcoming Come Home Year celebrations, with Gar having been a driving force behind the building of a new patio in the front of Elsie's house. Sadly, Gar didn't get the opportunity to take part in the celebrations for Come Home Year, but the patio was full nearly all that summer, with many extended family members and visitors. And who could have counted the pots of soup Elsie made, and the $5.00 bills she passed out to the children! It was probably around that time that I realized a turning point had passed years ago, when instead of being company, I was one of the ones helping put out the good dishes for others. Elsie enjoyed the commotion of those special occasions, but she especially loved her birthday parties. Every September all her children and their families would come to Greenspond to celebrate. There were always a few skits, some people dressed up, and people sang her favorite songs. She would always say “aren't they shocking”, but her delight was clear. And it wasn't always organized when all the families were around. We all had dogs, which she tolerated without too much complaint. Her children and grandchildren liked to visit her at the same time so all the grandchildren would grow up knowing their cousins, but that meant 3 dogs, too, and a house full of people. But there was a new or extended pot of soup as each family arrived, the washer was going steadily, the clothesline was always full, and the fridge was always stocked. And there was always room for more. She wanted us to bring friends, family, whoever – everyone was welcome. And even through the turmoil of a full house, she found time to nurture her bonds with her grandchildren, including a unique bond with her grandson Paul. We always said it was a match made in heaven – Paul didn't have much to say, and she loved to talk! Elsie Bragg was a truly good person. She attended church, but outside that she was an outstanding example of generosity and love. She did not judge or criticize people who did not share her religious practices, but was warm and gracious towards everyone. She was accepting, not faultfinding, peaceable, not confrontational, a giver, not a taker, and she tried to help others wherever she could. And she was fiercely loyal to her family. When her grandchildren began to have children of their own, she was as nervous as the expectant parents, and then she celebrated each birth. First came boys Gary, Benjamin and Jakob, then girls Jesse, Sophie and Jenna. She joyfully met little Jack, who was born while she was in hospital, but did not get to meet her newest great-grandchild, whom she so desperately wanted to live to see. She treated them all with love and patience, and would leave anything she was doing to play with, read to, or get something for them. And they all loved her. Elsie Bragg will truly be missed by everyone who knew her, but especially by her family. I feel honored to have had her in my life – her goodness, grace, patience, loyalty, discretion, kindness, and love are an example to us all."

Condolence From Candy & Kevin

Sun, 19 Jun 2011 15:06:38 EDT

We would like to express our condolences to all Elsie's family during your great loss. Elsie was such wonderful loving person and we will remember her always.

Condolence From Allison White

Sun, 19 Jun 2011 14:37:34 EDT

Sharon, George and family, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Hold tight to memories for comfort, lean on your friends for strength and always remember how much you are cared about.

Condolence From Christine (Bragg) & Al Wells

Sun, 19 Jun 2011 13:44:55 EDT

Special thoughts and memories of you all at this time. Our next visits to Greenspond will never be the same. We will certainly miss Aunt Elsie's beautiful smile and warm welcome when she shared so many wonderful stories with her lunches. She was a special family member who will always be loved by all.

Condolence From Aiden & Roberta Drover

Sun, 19 Jun 2011 11:19:58 EDT

Sharon, George and the Bragg Family, Your mom was such a kind and loving person, who always welcomed us with open arms. How privileged we were to have known her. Although you are all hurting so much, may your wonderful memories of her and knowing that she is finally at peace help you through this difficult time. Today we share your sorrow.

Condolence From Paula Waterman

Sat, 18 Jun 2011 20:47:08 EDT

Sharon, George, and Family, Kevin and I were saddened to hear of your mother's passing. She was at the centre of your family and will be sorely missed. The many wonderful memories you have of her,the love you have for each other,and the passing of time, will ease the sorrow and emptiness you are now feeling. May God bless you all.

Condolence From Barbara Hanrahan

Sat, 18 Jun 2011 20:03:30 EDT

Hi Sharon, Joan & Don, Sorry to hear of your mother's death. We will miss the many cups of tea we had with her. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, Barb & Don

Condolence From Linda & Dave Connors

Sat, 18 Jun 2011 14:28:16 EDT

To Joan and her family. Please know, that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Your mother will never be forgotten, as she never forgot anyone. We will always remember her soft spoken words" How are you today my dear" and her radiant smile. She enjoyed her life, especially her grandchildren. There is no more pain and suffering as she reunites with the love of her life, Reg. God looked down and took an angel.

Condolence From Tony and Jeanne

Sat, 18 Jun 2011 11:16:28 EDT

May your Mom's kind and gentle soul rest in peace. We know that thoughts of happier times and the love of family and friends will carry you through these sad days.

Condolence From Karen and John Synyard

Sat, 18 Jun 2011 09:41:59 EDT

Joan So sorry to hear about your Moms Passing at least her suffering is over now My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time

Condolence From Melvin and Bernice Payne

Sat, 18 Jun 2011 08:57:54 EDT

Our sincerest condolances to Sharon, George, Joan, Don, Elinor and extended families. We knew Mrs. Bragg as a friendly, warm, generous lady and we always enjoyed talking with her. We know she will live on in your memories and hearts. Mel and Bernice

Condolence From Maxine and Doug Fifield

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 23:51:22 EDT

To Sharon, George and Family. Sorry to hear of the passing of your loved one. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Sharon, we have many fond memories of your mother and her many acts of kindness, memories that will last a lifetime. Maxine and Doug.

Photo shared: Elsie_Photo.jpg

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 14:33:15 EDT