DAHMS, Elva Mary Dahms

Following a brief stay in Palliative Care, with her two daughters by her side, Elva passed away peacefully at the Haliburton Highlands Health Services on January 21, 2026.

Born at Eldon Station in Victoria County to James and Katie (Wires) Bickell in 1935, Elva would have turned 91 on March 16. Predeceased by her husband, Alfred “Fred” Dahms (2006) and her eldest son Richard Southern (2010.) Beloved mother of Lorene (Robert) Marquis of Sunderland; Kathryn Stemp of Uxbridge; Douglas Southern of Oshawa; and Tim (Kellie) Southern of Sunderland. Dear Nana to her grandchildren Kristina Southern, Kelly Southern, Jay Marquis, Meghan Barton (née Marquis,) Corey Marquis, Nicole Mabee, Amanda Rahm (née Southern,) and Jessica Southern, as well as to 20 great- grandchildren.

Elva was one of 11 children. Survived by siblings Ruth (Ray predeceased) Shaw; Katherine (George) Langman; Helen (Bart) Vanderlans; Don (June, predeceased) Bickell. Predeceased by siblings Grace (Art) Lamb; Alma (Clifford) McMillan; John (Doreen) Bickell; Audrey (Edward) Langman; Joseph (Joanne) Bickell; and Geor  ge (Shirley/survivor) Bickell. Elva also left behind many nieces and nephews. With a special mention of her niece Arlene, who, together with her mom (Helen) helped greatly by getting our mom to many extended family gatherings and Red Hat Society events as recently as St. Patrick’s Day 2025.

After raising her five children in Cannington, Elva went to work at Bon Air Nursing Home in 1974. During that time, she attended night school to earn her Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA) certification. After moving to Burnt River in 1987 to be with her soon-to-be husband, Fred, she continued to commute to Cannington until she retired in 1999. After Fred passed away, Elva sold the property and moved into Lindsay where she resided for almost 20 years. While in Lindsay, she joined the Red Hat Society and was very keen to attend their many events and a few trips. Elva spent her last eight months at the Gardens of Haliburton Retirement Home.

Elva enjoyed the fellowship of church. Her last affiliation was with St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Lindsay. Elva loved to laugh and to dance. True to the joyful spirit she carried throughout her life, five days before passing she said she wanted to go out laughing. She met Fred at a dance, and together they shared an active and vibrant social life filled with music, friends, and fun. They also treasured their time boating up and down Burnt River. Elva found happiness in gardening, both indoors and out, as well as sewing, knitting, crocheting, and baking. She was especially famous to her family for her butter tarts, which were as unforgettable as her warmth and laughter.

As per her wishes, Elva has been cremated. A celebration of Elva’s life will be held towards the end of February. Exact details to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you please donate to your local Food Bank or a charity of your choice. Memories, photos and condolences may be shared at www.thornefuneralhome.ca