It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Elsa Helena Cholewka of Coleman, Alberta. On May 25, 2014, Elsa was called from this earth while receiving care at the Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge after 69 years of a full life.
Else was born on January 30, 1945 in Finland to parents Paavo and Irja Hokkanen. She blossomed into a lovely young lady who married Erkki Laitinen and was blessed with three wonderful children. She immigrated to Canada in 1970 and lived in Kitimat, BC. After her separation from her husband, Elsa found true love with Eric Cholewka and they moved to Coleman, Alberta in 1993. They were not only husband and wife but best friends.
Else was talented in so many ways but her passion was her family and every moment spent together. She also loved gardening, cooking, tree reclamation and making us all laugh. She had a quirky sense of humour and a no-nonsense way about her that we adored. She was a member of the Finnish-Canadian Club and Coleman Legion. An inspiration to her family, she will be dearly missed but never forgotten.
She is survived by her loving husband, Eric Cholewka of Coleman; her son, Jani “Eric” (Cathy) Laitinen; her daughters, Sari (Pierre) Carriere and Tiina (Dan) DeLisle; her grandchildren, Jasmine (Lindsay Pressey) Mitchell, Christopher (Morgan) DeLisle, Colby (Allison Coccioloni) DeLisle, Makyla Laitinen and Kei-Ann Laitinen; her sisters, Kirsti (Tate) Vauhkonen of Finland and Liisa Liimatainen of Finland; and numerous extended family and friends including her canine companion, Kuna.
She was predeceased by her parents, Paavo and Irja Hokkanen and her mother-in-law, Valentina Cholewka.
A celebration of Else’s life was held on Friday, May 30, 2014 at 1:00 pm in Fantin's Funeral Chapel in Blairmore with Rev. Nicky Keyworth officiating. Condolences may be registered at www.fantinsfuneralchapel.ca. Donations in memory may be directed towards the Canadian Cancer Society, PO Box 359, Bellevue, AB T0K 0C0.
Fantin's Funeral Chapel assisting the family. (403) 562-8555.