True and Fascinating Canadian History
Mother of the Month: November 2011
C/580. Civilian Member Elsie Margaret Edwards-Nesbitt
This is a short story about a very special woman. She was an exceptional employee and friend of the Force. She was very, very proud to be associated with the RCMP and she considered other members of the Force as her second family. She is now missed by two families; her children and the RCMP. Her daughter, Ms Joan Terris helped me to piece this story together about their Mom.
But, first this. As police officers, I think we ought to take time to occasionally reflect on all RCMP employees and the work which they to in support of members in the field. It's well known that the Force would come to a complete stall without the help of our generous Civilian Members, Public Servant and all employees performing a wide host of various jobs.
The Force must confess that it is very fortunate to have dedicated employees such as our 'Mother of the Month.' Most members of the Force come and go. Our Civilian Members and Public Servants provide stability at the work scene. Upon arriving at a new posting, it was my experience to make friends early with our CM's and PS's.
Very often, they become the history of Detachment routine especially at times when new members and NCO's rotate in and out. In short, the Force must truly value thework, expertise, technical skills and education which our Civilian Members bring to law enforcement. Let's show them our appreciation and say 'thanks' to them more frequently.
Our 'Mother of the Month' is Civilian Member Elsie Margaret Edward-Nesbitt.
Joan (Elsie's daughter) begins by reflecting on her Mother's obituary; Joan said: 'Our family was sad to announce the passing of Elsie Margaret Edwards Nesbitt, nee Forten, on Friday, February 18, 2011. Now, months later, Mom's loss continues to be felt by each of us.
by her daughter, Ms Joan Terris...
Mom was born on January 11, 1922. She was predeceased by her parents Wilfred and Gertrude (Maugham) Forten. She was also predeceased by husbands Charles Martin Edwards and Duncan Nesbitt. test
Mom left behind a closely knitted family. I am Mom's daughter (Joan Edwards Terris (Doug Werbin)and I have one brother Bruce Edwards. Mom loved and cherished her grandchildren; James (Jing) and Jennifer Terris, Scott Jackson (Lia), Charles and Alexandre Edwards. As well, Mom also loved her great-grandchildren; Justin, Victoria and Bianca Terris, and Erin and Paige Jackson. Beloved sister of Dorothy Mallory, Rita Kittle (Mac), William Forten and Robert Forten.
My Mother was predeceased by her sister Helen Asselin and her brother Archibald Paul Forten. She was step-mother of Carole, Janet, Debbie, Jane and the late John Nesbitt and an aunt and great-aunt to many nieces and nephews.
Our Mother was raised during the depression years. Like many others, she had to strugglefor work and finances. She had to move to Ottawa from Brockville and she was hired to work for the Department of National Defence. It was her first job. It was 1940. She ended her working career as a Civilian Member of the RCMP.
Mom was known to be a very shy person. That said, she was fiercely independent. I guess she hadto be with a young family. Today, she is remembered as having a keen sense of humour and a wide reputation as the most wonderful cook.
She also had lots of talents. I think she learned these skillsas a young woman. She was a baker and an excellent seamstress. She was in heaven while making many imaginative clothes, capes and costumes for her children and grandchildren. Her family was in her heart. All the children were in her soul. They also will miss Mom.
Mom was a widow in her mid-40s when her husband Chuck died. Later, she married Duncan. They retired to Perth. They had a vacation home at Wolfe Lake near Westport, Ontario. They often reminded us of the many, many happy times at the lake and their vacation home surrounded by the family.
We were very blessed to have her as our Mother. We also have many, many people to thankfor caring for her. We want to thank the Staff of the 3rd floor at Garden Terrace Home, Kanata for all of the gentle and compassionate care which was given to Mom.
All her friends attended her Memorial Service last February. It was a very sad and emotional farewell.
All I can say to her is this: 'Thank you for all the memories, Mom; we love you and will never forget you.'!
Let's Not Say Good Bye, Wish Me Farewell. For I will see you again.
Hi Joe; Please do let me know if you are able to add her name to your list, the family was very proud of Mom being 'a Mountie'. She would have loved to see her name there. Joan Terris
Dear Joan;
In a way, I've got to know and admire Elsie Margaret Edwards-Nesbitt. I get the
impression that she gave a good portion of her life to the Federal Service and the RCMP. I would also guess that she was a grandmother to the 'rough, crusty and brisk' 'ole Staff Sergeants in her office. The Force will also miss Elsie Margaret Edwards-Nesbitt.
Reporting from Fort Healy,
J. J. Healy
November 23, 2011
