The much loved wife of the late Jan Albarda, mother of Hans and Karen, grandmother of Mark, Mathew, Alice and Janna, great grandmother of Miles and Cole and Aunt, passed away at the Groves Memorial Hospital in Fergus, Ontario, December 21st, 2003. Her remarkable 94 year journey came to an end surrounded by the loving care and support of her many friends, who were always so important to her. She touched the lives of many people. Elske's passion for music led her to study piano at the Conservatory in Rotterdam, Holland and after emigrating to Canada in 1951, at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. In Elora she was a founding member of the Arts Council and served as Treasurer for several years. Along with three friends, she started the Elora Environmental Action Group which eventually led to the establishment of the Elora Centre for Environmental Excellence. She helped start the Gallery Music Series, and served as a board member in its first year. Elske will be cremated in Waterloo. She requested that memorial donations be made on her behalf to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, the Centre Wellington Citizen's Coalition and the Council of Canadians, three organizations which best represented her philosophy in life. Hans and Karen would especially like to thank Dr. Kate Anderson for the years of wonderful care, respect and friendship she gave our mother. Cards are available at the Graham A. Giddy Funeral Home, 519-843-3100.