Elsie Giles

Elsie Mitchell came into this world on January 27, 1920. Lawrence was the eldest and the only boy. Five girls followed, of which Elsie was the middle. Life on a small farm in Backus, MN during the late 1920's and 30's wasn't always easy. However, with 6 energetic children mischief and fun were readily available. Many nights this rowdy group fell asleep to the sound of their father's violin. Music remained a lifelong love to the Mitchell clan. When Elsie was 14 the death of her mother created a burning desire to be a nurse. Her father, whose own dream of becoming a doctor went unfulfilled, managed to find the money to make her dream come true. She attended St. Barnabas School of Nursing in Minneapolis/St. Paul. With the advent of WWII Elsie enlisted in the US Army Nursing Corps. She was stationed at Schick General Military Hospital. 2nd LT Malcolm Giles had been wounded in North Africa. It didn't take him long to notice the brunette nurse with the big green eyes. On January 12, 1944, LT's Elsie Mitchell and Malcolm Giles were joined in marriage by the Chaplain at Schick Hospital in Clinton, Iowa. Daughter Jean was born on July 22, 1945. While Malcolm was using his G.I. Bill to attend Drake University, Stephanie followed on March 1, 1947. Deborah was born on March 14, 1952. During the 1950's Elsie returned to her beloved nursing on a part time basis. Due to changes in nursing regulations, if Elsie wished to return to a full time nursing position she would need to pursue a B.S. in Nursing. This she did in 1961, attending Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. Jean was 16, Stephanie 14, and Debbie 9 when Elsie began this endeavor. She graduated with her B.S. in 1964. Elsie remained in the nursing field for 50 years, ending with service for Evergreen Hospice. Those early years on that small Minnesota farm gave the Mitchell sisters (in later years known affectionately as the ""Giggle Sisters"") an inner strength and determination, which at times could be quite formidable – even though their stature was diminutive. Elsie's ""spunk"", courage and determination would prove inspirational to her daughters and grandchildren. Elsie's love of music, while never materializing into an ability to play a musical instrument, turned her into a terrific dance partner for Malcolm. Many times folks stopped to watch them when they were on a dance floor together. Her creative drive focused on making clothing for the growing daughters in early years. However, she made beautiful quilts after her daughters were grown, undeterred by the ""essential tremors"" which caused her hands to shake. Until very recently Elsie was still an active member of her Friday morning bowling league – which was documented by KUSA News (Channel 9). She was also a member of a bridge group, quilting society, and other pursuits. She had been a member of Calvary Episcopal Church from 1964 until the present. Aside from being an inspirational mother, Elsie was also a loving grandmother of 8 and doting great-grandmother of 19. Elsie's energy and drive kept her ""running"" until recent months, but her indomitable spirit survives in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. The Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 18, 2010 from 2:00pm to 5:00pm at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 3101 South Wadsworth Boulevard. The Funeral Service will be held on Monday, April 19, 2010 at Calvary Episcopal Church located at 1320 Arapahoe Street in Golden, CO at 10:30am. Memorial contributions can be made to the charity of your choice in Elsie's name. Please share your memories of Elsie and condolences with her family by selecting the ""Sign Guestbook"" button below.