Elva Maude (House) Higgs

On July 22, 2022, after 26 years, Elva Maude (House) Higgs left this world to feel the loving embrace of her husband George once again.  Elva had turned 95 years old, January 28, a birthday that also commemorated by her own mother’s birthday.  She was living in Morden MB where she was cared for impeccably by all her children.  Her grandchildren often joked that she had the best of “personal personal care”.  She passed at home where loving attendance and support helped her transition from this world to the next.

Elva was born to Winnifred and Fred House in Bowsman MB in 1927 where she was raised on a farm approximately 2 miles east of Bowsman.  She was surrounded by a family of 2 sisters and 2 brothers where she was second oldest.  Elva often spoke about how her mother and dad were loving and supportive of their children and endured many hardships as a family.  Because her parents immigrated from England, extended family support was scarce during her childhood.  Later in life she became the hardworking matriarch of her own family being a role model for her own children, extended family’s children, neighbours, and her community. 

She met George Higgs and were married in Pioneer Mine BC.  There the couple raised 4 daughters together until they moved back to the Bowsman in 1956 where they settled on the Higgs family farm.  After their return to Bowsman, their son was born in 1961. 

Elva and George were very active in their community with their family.  They were a part of community sporting events, local and federal politics, and social gatherings. They enjoyed visiting with coffee and snacks around the kitchen table but also enjoyed communing with their friends on weekends travelling to dances around the valley. 

Elva was an exceptional cook and was often recruited by catering organizations in Bowsman to participate in creating delicious community shared meals and was especially known for her gravy making ability.  A fond memory of Elva’s family is walking into her kitchen and identifying what was cooking on the stove or in the oven.  Her gardens were beautiful, her yard was kept impeccably, and she was always willing to pass along the “magic” she used to create her masterpieces of food.

In her later years, Elva loved to watch hockey, curling and football (sports of any kind really) on television.  She often attended local sports events to watch her great grandchildren play. 

Elva was very much a person of character worthy of being admired by all who knew her.  Her life was rooted in love for her children and grandchildren of whom she was most proud.  She was always ready with a hug, a kiss, and term of endearment like “sweetie face” for the little ones {and big ones}.  She was welcoming, supportive, and loving through the good times and bad. 

As a family, we can’t express how much we loved and valued this beautiful person.  We are grateful to have had such an example of love in our lives for so long. 

Elva is survived by her children, Carol Schaefer (Jack), Louise Sutherland, Jo-Ann Gauthier, Debbie Giesbrecht (Menno) and Chris Higgs (Elizabeth), her 12 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren and 9 great great grandchildren.  Elva is also survived by her sister Jean Alexander of Swan River.

Elva is predeceased by her husband George, her sisters Phyllis and Evelyn, brothers Howard and Alexander, her parents Winnie and Fred and her son-in-law Richard Gauthier. 

Graveside services only will be held Saturday September 10th, 2022, 2:00 PM, at the Bowsman Cemetery.  A light lunch will be served at the Bowsman Legion Hall afterwards. Those wishing to make memorial donations in Elva’s honour may do so to the Bowsman Cemetery Association (Box 248, Bowsman, MB R0L 0H0)

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