Elke was born June 8th, 1950 in Gelsenkirchen Germany to parents Herbert and Sonja Matl before emigrating to Canada in 1960. She is predeceased by both parents.
Elke was fortunate enough to love her job and worked tirelessly as an office administrator for Unifor Local 707 from November 1990 to December 2011. Her job kept her busy as receptionist and bookkeeper, Steward for her bargaining unit, delegate to Oakville and District Labour Council, advocate for members of the Union, and in the support of incumbent presidents, instrumental in helping to support and shape the organization she loved so much. Elke's contribution is felt in many lasting and important ways. One of which was the initiation of the lifetime achievement awards, which she happily helped to carry out each year, never realizing she herself would be inducted into this honour roll and esteemed amoung the colleagues she had helped to recognize for their important work.
A true patron of animals, Elke kept a loving home with two dogs, two parakeets, and a cat even as the Parkinson's increasingly made mobility difficult.
Throughout her illness of more than a decade, Elke's bravery, determination, and humour inspired everyone around her ~ she will be truly and deeply missed by all who knew her.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, February 9th, 2019 at Sheffield United Church, 1283 Old Hwy 8, Sheffield, Ontario L0R 1Z0. Visitation begins at 1:00 pm with the service at 2:00 pm followed by tea and snacks.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Parkinson Canada or the OSPCA would be appreciated by the family.
Please visit Elke's obituary notice on Facebook.