Elsie Clarke, the oldest of four children of James Walter Clarke and Iris Germaine Lynch, was bom in Barbados on July 30, 1937. She bas two sisters and one brother.
She received her education at St. Matthias Elementary School and Unique High School, where she learned to play Netball. Following High School graduation she attended Barbados House Crafts Centre where she pursued courses in Cooking, Baking, Sewing, Embroidery and Needlepoint. She then found employment at Barbados Marketing Corporation before emigrating to Canada. She was raised in St. Matthias Anglican Church where she taught Sunday School and sang in the Choir.
An avid Basketball fan who attended many games she couldn't help noticing Winston Callender who was the shortest and fastest player she had ever seen. He was a member of Beth el Methodist Church. Their paths crossed a few times before they were finally introduced. They were a twosome for approximately three years, then threw a large engagement party in Barbados so that a11 of their friends could attend, since they intended to emigrate to Canada. Elsie arrived in Montreal in 1967; Winston followed the next year. They were married in St. Matthews Anglican Church, in the Snowdon area, on May 4, 1968. They are the parents of a son and a daughter.
Shortly after ber arrival in Montreal in 1967 Elsie found employment at the Montreal General Hospital as a Dietary Helper, ensuring that the diet of each patient was followed. She retired from this position in 1997.
Elsie began worshipping here at Union Church in the late l 970's and soon became a member of the U.C.W. As a member of our Mission and Service Committee, in the Spring and Fall of 1998 she coordinated Bake Tables featuring goodies for which she is well known. Proceeds from both of those events went to the Mission and Service Fund. She has been a member of the Outreach Department's Meals on Wheels cooking team here at the Church ever since its inception almost eleven years ago. While working she switched shifts with co-workers whenever it was her turn to prepare meals on Tuesdays. She also takes her turn cooking meals for the Pioneer Club who meet here on Thursdays.
She sponsors a Home Cooking Table at our Heritage Committee's Nostalgia Food Fair held annually during Black History Month where she sells Flying Fish, Puddin' & Souse, Conkies or Stew Dumplings, Roti, Fish Cakes, Coo Coo & Codfish, Coconut Bread, Turnovers, Cakes, Cassava Pone and Sugar Cakes. She also sponsors a Home Cooking Table at Union Church's Annual Bazaar featuring the foregoing Caribbean specialties. ln addition she prepares a Grab Bag Table which is a popular attraction. Her husband Winston assists her at this table. Her sister and several close friends assist her with cooking and/or selling at these tables. One friend grates 50 to 55 coconuts as her contribution. The proceeds from these Tables are donated to the Church.
ln order to support one of her friends who cooks for her Home Cooking Table Elsie, in turn, cooks and bakes for activities which take place at St. Lawrence Anglican Church, such as their International Night held in October, Outings that take place after their annual Runathons, and their Men's F ellowship Breakfasts and Get Togethers. She is known in St Lawrence Anglican Church for her Peas & Rice, Cakes and Fish Cakes.
While her children attended Cecil Newman Elementary School in LaSalle she baked for their Fund Raisers which helped students to take Bus Trips. On occasion she is asked to cook for meals that are served after funerals and/or receptions. She always obliges. She has been known to turn offher oven at 3:00 or 4:00 in the moming after which time she would go to sleep until 7:00, when she would rise and continue with her cooking.
Elsie's husband was employed with Canada Steamship Lines for fourteen years. He was on the high seas for 10 to 10 1/2 months each year which meant that she was solely responsible for her children. Her mother-in-law was of great assistance. She drove her children to numerous activities such as: Brownies, Girl Guides, Boy Scouts, Piano Lessons, T-Ball (which is a Baseball game for Juniors), Girls' Ballet, Figure Skating, Track & Field, Tap Dancing, Judo, Football, Hockey, and Basketball, many times remaining as a spectator, which gave her children • encouragement. Sorne ofthese activities required refreshments to raise funds. She baked on every refreshment committee. Her husband has only been home since 1994. She has been turned down when requesting support for ber projects and remembers the impact that such a response had on ber, so whenever she can, she rises to the occasion. She enjoys good health, and prays that God will give ber the strength to realize her hopes and aspirations.
Elsie and ber husband, Winston, reside in LaSalle. Their son Dave is a graduate of LaSalle College and leaves Montreal to take up a new position in Toronto. Daughter Tanya is an Honours graduate from Concordia University, with a Bachelor's degree in Communications Studies. Granddaughter Kayla is six years old.
To Elsie Callender, a lady who is highly motivated and committed to her Family, Church and Community, The Hostesses salute you and wish you continued good health. We appreciate your efforts and keep up the good work.
The Hostesses of Union United Church
Gwen Husband
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