Elsie M. Gansz 92, of Deptford, formerly of Brooklawn for 68 years, entered her heavenly home on December 12, surrounded by her loving husband and family. Elsie was born in Bridgeton, daughter of George and Ada Colton and raised from age 10 by her Aunt Myrtle and Uncle Marvin Percival in Brooklawn. Elsie was a faithful member of Brooklawn United Methodist Church for 76 years. It was at the youth group at church that she met the love of her life, her husband Herb. During a courtship which was interrupted by Herb being drafted to serve in WW II, she wrote him a letter every day. When Herb returned from serving they were married in 1946 and were happily married for 71 years.

During those years Elsie raised 3 daughters and served as president of the Brooklawn PTA. She sang in the choir of Brooklawn Methodist Church for over 65 years as well as teaching Sunday School and vacation Bible School. She served as president and held the position of treasurer for 30 years of the church woman’s group. Her cheese cake was always in demand at church dinners. She also volunteered in the children’s after-school program at Fellowship House in Camden.

Elsie and Herb traveled the United States by travel trailer visiting almost every state. They flew on the Concord to England and returned sailing on the QEII. They visited the Orient including China in the years it was first opened to foreign travelers. They traveled together to Hawaii to visit the place Herb served during WWII and cruised to Alaska. They owned a home at the Jersey Shore where they spent many summers, and welcomed family and friends for fun
times. When grandkids came along Elsie was always an available and enthusiastic babysitter. Later, she enjoyed her great grandbabies. She will be greatly missed as a loving Wife, Mother and Mom Mom.

She is survived by her husband Herbert and three daughters Beverly (Paul) Lehto, Judith (Steve) Glick, Katherine (James) Athey, 5 Grandchildren Paul (Kelly) Lehto, Kimberly (Chris) Brosius, Cynthia (Jin) Ro, Lauren (Vinny) Janka, Kevin (Tania) Athey and 7 great-grandchildren, Ryan, Connor and Tyler Brosius, Makenzie and Colton Lehto and Ainsley and Olivia Ro. She is also survived by two sisters, Carolyn Ford and Edith Messenger and two brothers Bill Percival and Edward Powell.

Viewing will be held Monday December 18th, 6 – 8 PM and 10 – 11 AM Tuesday with funeral service beginning at 11:00 at Brooklawn Methodist Church, Maude and Hannevig Avenues Brooklawn, Interment at Harleigh Cemetary, Camden. In lieu of Flowers Memorial Donations to Brooklawn United Methodist Church would be greatly appreciated.