
Stafford – Elsie Marion, 91, of Bridgewater NS., passed away peacefully in South Shore Regional Hospital, Bridgewater, on Thursday July 9, 2020.
Born in Milton NS., Elsie was a daughter of the late Edward and Emma (Faulkner) Manthorne.
Elsie was a former clerk for the Steadman’s store in Liverpool, as well as Sobeys in Bridgewater. She was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Bridgewater were she served as a Sunday school teacher and was a member of the choir. Elsie sang with the “ Sea Gals” of Lunenburg, and was active as a Girl Guide leader both in Liverpool and Bridgewater. Elsie also served with the Ladies Auxiliary in Bridgewater, and was a member of the Greenfield Seniors Jolly Ponhookers. She enjoyed crossword puzzles and camping in her younger years.
Elsie is survived by her loving husband of 70 years Merrill; her granddaughters Jade Speirs (Ronnie Arenburg) of Sackville and Chloe Speirs (Dustin) of Halifax; great grandchildren Abigail and Warren; sister Marjorie Randall of Bridgewater; brother Brian (Phyllis) Manthorne of Milton as well as many nieces and nephews.
Besides her parents, Elsie was predeceased by her daughter Jillian Speirs, sisters Phyllis Moore, Gloria Meers and Helen Nickerson; brothers Hector, Edward and Eric.
Cremation has taken place under the direction of Chandlers’ Funeral Home, Liverpool, NS.
Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday July 14, 2020 at 11:00 am. in St. Gregory’s Catholic Church, Liverpool, NS. Father Charles Offer officiating. Burial will follow in St. Gregory’s Catholic Cemetery, College Street, Liverpool, NS. No flowers by request. Donations may be made to the charity of choice. Online condolences www.chandlersfuneral.com. All those attending Elsie’s service are asked to wear a mask and to practice physical distancing of six (6) feet.
Offer Condolence for the family of Stafford; Elsie Marion

Barbara Burns
Brian and Family,
Sending sincere condolences on the loss of your sister.
Moyle Crouse
Our deepest sympathy to Merrill and family our prayers are with you from Moyle and Marjorie Crouse
Bob and Brenda Lohnes
Brian and Phyllis: Sorry to read that your sister has passed away. Our condolences to you and your family.
David whynott of mersey point
To Merrill and all of their family I am sorry to hear of the loss of your wife. Bless you all at this sad time of your loss.
Vernon & Joyce Hawkes
Merrill and family, we were saddened to learn of Elsie’s passing. A lovely lady. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Donald Joudrey
Sorry to hear of Elsie passing our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Francis & Peggy Payzant
Dear Brian & Phyllis, Francis And I Are Very Sorry To Hear About Your Sister, Elsies Passing. Cherish All Your Memories Of Elsie As We Are Sure There Are Many. May She Now Rest In Peace. And May God Be With You All At This Most Difficult Time In Your Lives.
Sincerely:
Francis & Peggy Payzant
Francis & Peggy Payzant
Dear Merrill & Families,
Francis And I Are So Very Sorry To See That Elsie Has Passed Away. We Were Talking To You On Sunday At Dairy Queen When You Had Mentioned To Us That She Was In The Hospital. Cherish All Your Beautiful Memories Of You And Elsie Through The Years And Keep Them Close To Your Heart. These Memories Will Help Get You Through Some Very Difficult Days Ahead. God Be With You And Your Families At This Most Difficult Time In Your Lives, And Know That Elsie Is Now At Peace!! Thinking Of You All!!!
Sincerely:
Francis & Peggy Payzant!!!
Sandy Tonello-Greenfield
Seventy years of loving memories shared by so many . Sincere condolences to the whole family .
Carolyn Hudson
So sorry for your loss Merrill as 70 years a very long time to be married..My heart goes out to you and your family..Carolyn Hudson (Henley)
Sandy Tonello-Greenfield
Our sincerest condolences on the loss of such a gentle soul .
Sandy Tonello-Greenfield
Our sincerest condolences on the loss of such a gentle soul .
Sandra and Earl Whynot
Brian and Marjorie, so sorry to hear about Elsie. Our prayers are with you all
judy quinn
so very sorry for your loss
Gus and Rose Comeau
Our sympathies to Merrill and Family on your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you .
Bonnie Morgan-Hamm, Sun Life Financial
Merrill, I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Greg Moore and Hanna Anderson
We are deeply saddened by Aunt Elsie’s passing. Our condolences to Merrill and family. She was always a gracious lovely lady. Seventy years is a long time to share.
Peggyand Richard Hatt
Dear Brain and Phyllis .
Richard and I would like to send our heartfelt condolences on the loss of your sister .May the love and support of your friends and family give you comfort in the days ahead Sincerely Peggy and Richard
Billand Anna Cox
Merrill, Brian and families
Sorry to hear of Elsie’s passing, our sympathy to all.
Alice [Kempton] Armitage
my sincere sympathy to you Merrill and family on the loss of Elsie. takes me back with fond memories of our growing up
years in Milton- and the gathering of friends for home parties We went our separate ways but the memories remain!
Crystal Tonello
A. Elsie was one of a kind ❤ …love to you U. Merrill and to you Jade and Chloe and your families.
sylviaverge
Dear Merrill, so sorry to hear of Elsies passing,
Sue Fraser
Deepest condolences to Uncle Merrill, Chloe, Jade,and families on the death of Aunt Elsie. I know that her health had not been the best for awhile……..she was a strong , delightful lady. We will miss our chats when we visit. Unfortunately, we are unable to travel right now, but will be there as soon as possible.
Love, Sue & Doug
Lois and John Whitehouse
To Merrill and family: So sorry for your great loss!
Melanie Elliott
Condolences from the Family of the the late Frances and Norman Elliott of Bridgewater. Elsie’s friendship and her exceptional spirit has been a enjoyed by her Family, neighbourhood and community. She leaves wonderful memories in the hearts of all her Family and Friends
Glen DeMond
Merrill and family, and Marjorie:
Sorry to learn of Elsie,s passing. Since our Days working with CNR, we have not been in frequent touch, however
I often think of our good old days and times, and all of our friends .
May God,s blessing be with you all.
Glen
Fred McAvoy
I just heard this evening of my Aunt Elsie’s passing. I had my father up visiting me in Petit-Rocher and was unaware
of events in Bridgewater. My heart goes out to my uncle Merrill, Jade, Chloe, Abigail, Warren, Marjorie and Brian. All those who knew and loved Elsie will agree we have lost on this earth a very special person. Elsie was my god-mother, a position she took seriously, reaching out to me in my darkest hours. May the best memories we share of Elsie bring a smile to our hearts and perhaps a hope that we may take a little bit of Elsie with us on our own journeys. – Nephew Fred McAvoy
Nancy Dagley
Dear Merrill and family
So sorry to hear of Elsie’s passing.You both were neighbors with my parents for as long as I can remember.
What a long life she had. I am sure that the sad times were out weighted by all the good times. To have 70 years together is such a blessing.I know you will hold the happy memories of all your years together close to your heart. Thinking of you during this sad time.
Nancy and Gerald Dagley
Marilyn Sanford
Dear Merrill and Family ,
So sorry to hear the sad news about Elsie. Sending condolences and prayers to you and family.
Marilyn Sanford
Judi & Ken Minard
Brian & Phyllis
Sorry for your loss.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Tammy Chymist
Uncle Merrill, Chloe, Jade, Abigail, Warren,
We were so sad to hear of A. Elsie’s passing. She was one of a kind and we will miss her.
Love Tammy and Robbins and Family
Dorothy Mossman and Vicki Mossman-Conrad
Dear Merrill and family. We were deeply saddened to hear of Elsie’s passing. Our deepest condolences.
Ernie & Wenda O'Neill
Our prayers are with the Stafford Family.
Deanna MacDonald and Kimberly MacDonald
Dear Merrill and Family,
Very sad to learn of Elsie’s passing. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kind regards,
Deanna and Kimberly MacDonald
Susan M MacLeod
Brian and Phyllis
I am sorry to hear about your Mom. My sincere condolences.
Susan MacLeod