Madge Esseltine

Madge Elizabeth Esseltine (nee Evans) died peacefully at Terrace Lodge, Aylmer, Ontario on July 23, 2023 in her 100th year.  Madge was born November 23, 1923 in Bristol, England, one of 8 children for Fred and Elizabeth Jane (Stephens) Evans. She started nursing training in London England but this was curtailed by bombing during the Battle of Britain. She was married in Bristol June 16, 1945 to Clare Esseltine while he was stationed with the RCAF. They settled in Tillsonburg and Madge lived in the town for 74 years until January 2020 when she entered Terrace Lodge. There she enjoyed the wonderful care, comfort and friendship of many extraordinary health care workers.   She was predeceased by her husband, Clare (1976), and two sons, Richard (2005) and Phillip and her daughter-in-law Jane Esseltine (2015). She is survived by her daughters, Dixie (Deborah Taylor) and Carolle (Garry Cockbain),  daughter-in-law Penny Esseltine, 6 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. She will be missed by her good friend, Rosemary Nunn, of St. Thomas.   Madge was strong willed, outgoing, creative and up for a party and a good laugh. She was an inspiration to many.  She was active in the community of Tillsonburg – in the IODE, Order of the Eastern Star and as an able partner to Clare when he was Mayor of Tillsonburg and Warden of Oxford County.  One of the happiest times in her life, she said, was her 15 years working at Tillsonburg Hospital in Admitting/Emergency. She was honoured for her service at TDMH in 1990 with the Rosie Award. She was cited at the time for her “love for people, great sense of humor, cheerful smile and young at heart attitude on life”. This award is only given when a person stands out as a natural recipient. Her friendships made at the hospital have endured. There are many precious remembrances of good times and lots of laughter.  In one of her letters, she wrote, that she had no regrets about her life. She further wrote, “I leave this world a happy and contented woman, knowing that I had it all, and leave behind the very best”.   Cremation has occurred.  A Private Service will be held.  Interment in Tillsonburg Cemetery with her late husband.  In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Salvation Army, Domestic Abuse Services Oxford (DASO) Woodstock, Ontario or the charity of your choice by contacting Ostrander’s Funeral Home, 43 Bidwell Street, Tillsonburg (519-842-5221) who have been entrusted by the Esseltine family. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.ostrandersfuneralhome.com