It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Elsie Hanna Moskal (née Morf), who died peacefully, surrounded by her family, on February 14, 2026, in Cranbrook, BC. She was just weeks short of her 97th birthday, giving thanks to her Lord for every day she was granted.

Elsie was born to Jacob and Hannah Morf in Nelson, BC on March 7, 1929. She was raised in the Arrow Lakes village of Fauquier, BC, where her family were among the early pioneers. They lived on a small parcel of land, part of which her parents donated for one of the first Protestant churches in the area. She attended school in Nakusp BC before moving to Vancouver BC when she was 17 to work as a nanny. She later joined the Rogers Sugar Refinery, beginning with sewing sugar bags and working her way up to Laboratory Operator and Sugar Chemist. In time, a deep homesickness for the hills, valleys and familiar beauty of the Arrow Lakes drew her back to the Interior of British Columbia.

In Creston, BC she met the love of her life, Anton ‘Tony’ Moskal. They were married in Coeur d’Alene, ID in 1959, beginning a life shared in purpose, hard work, laughter, and adventure. Work took them throughout the Interior of BC and into Alberta before they settled in Cranbrook, BC in 1967. There they raised their family, always planning their next project or journey, until Tony’s untimely passing in 1983. With quiet strength and the support of her family, Elsie remained in Cranbrook, BC and gradually rebuilt a full and happy life.

Service and friendship shaped her later years. She volunteered at the Key City Theatre and spent twenty years as a cashier with the Cranbrook Hospital Auxiliary thrift shop. She was well loved and known to many for her warm smile, quick wit and tireless energy. Her mind was always active; she relished trivia, crosswords and any puzzle set before her – often winning every game she attempted. She loved to travel, with a special fondness for long road trips, and was thankful to have visited many places over the years. A lifelong interest in fashion found expression in her gift for sewing – she was a skilled seamstress with an eye for detail and a knack for finding a good bargain. She also loved music which brought her great joy, and she especially loved to sing and play her guitar.

Elsie leaves behind her children John Spencer; Gina Moskal; Donna (Wes) Moskal- Fitzpatrick; and Michael (Shannon) Moskal; her grandchildren Renata (Peter) Friesen; Benjamin Spencer, Ryan Moskal, Erik Moskal and Kyle (Adrianne) Moskal; her greatgrandchildren Janiya and Zimra Friesen, Theodore, Kato and baby girl Moskal expected in April 2026 and her sister Dora (Bob) Moffat and the extended Moffat family.

Predeceased by her beloved husband Tony Moskal; her parents, Jacob and Hannah Morf; her niece Tracy Moffat; and numerous extended family members in Switzerland and Slovakia.

A viewing will be held at McPherson Funeral Home in Cranbrook, BC, on March 24, 2026, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A reception for family and friends will be held at McPherson

Funeral Home on March 25, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Elsie will be laid to rest beside Tony at Westlawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Elsie’s memory to the Cranbrook Hospital Auxiliary or the Arrow Lakes Historical Society.

Mom lived well and loved deeply. She leaves us stronger for her example. Until we meet again Mom, you will remain in our hearts always.

mcphersonfh.com