Elsie Ernestine Jolivette's Obituary
Jolivette, Elsie Ernestine 85 Oct. 16, 1927 May 24, 2013 Elsie Ernestine (Kleinsmith) Jolivette peacefully passed away on Friday, May 24, 2013 with her family by her side. Elsie was born October 16, 1927 in Marquam to Elmer and Ida (Zwahlen) Kleinsmith, the 5th of eight children. Elsie grew up on a farm in Molalla and graduated from Molalla High School in 1945. She moved to Portland and worked as a payroll clerk/switchboard operator for Western Condensing. Elsie met Ronald Jolivette in Seaside, who was in the Navy stationed at Tongue Point. They were later married in Astoria on Jan. 9, 1949. They moved to Oregon City where they raised four children. Elsie worked at King Elementary School, first in the kitchen then as an instructional aide for 16 years and retired in 1987. Elsie had a passion for gardening, a tradition she passed onto her children. She leaves behind Ronald, her husband of 64 years, who took excellent care of her while she bravely battled Myelodysplasia for the last decade. She is also survived by her children, Steven (Bonni) of Panama City Beach, Fla., David (Kay) of Washougal, Wash., Jeanne (Larry) of Camas, Wash., Jennifer (Clyde) of Milwaukie; and her brother, Gene Kleinsmith (Pat) of Mulino; five grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren; and her special friends, Nancy and John Dornan and Charlotte Knox and family. Mass will be held on Saturday, June 1, at 11 a.m., at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church, 417 Washington Street, Oregon City. A gathering will follow in the parish cafeteria. Following will be the interment at River View Cemetery, 300 SW Taylors Ferry Road, Portland. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Shriners Hospital for Children or the Myelodysplasia (MDS) Foundation.
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