Elma Gunter was born in 1926. Elma joined the Canadian Women’s Auxiliary Corps where she received business training as a secretary. Elma was active in the community by volunteering with several organizations. In 2014, Elma passed away peacefully.
Early Life
Elma Gunter was born on August 9th, 1926 and grew up with nine other siblings including Dufferin Gang members, Jack, Blair, Beatrice, and Gerry Gunter. Their father passed away when Elma was 4 years old, leaving the older children to help their mother care for the family. Because of their care, Elma was able to attend grade school. She attended Victoria School for grades 1-6, Central School for grades 7 and 8, and Devonshire Collegiate for 9-11. She was an excellent student, always striving to be first in her class. After graduating high school, she worked for the Dominion Bank.
Military Career
Elma joined the Canadian Women’s Auxiliary Corps in order to advance her skills and her career. While part of the Corps she received business training as a secretary. This training helped her both during her career in the military and at future jobs after service ended.
The CWACS division was referred to as ‘quacks’. While on a leave in Toronto with her friend two men walked behind them making quacking noises. Her friend spun around, patted him on the cheek, and said, “what’s the matter Donald did you lose your mom?” The whole group laughed, and they were left alone for the rest of the trip.
Post Military Career
Following the military, Elma worked in Selkirk before moving to Ontario where she was employed at Robert Simpson Company in Toronto. After returning to Selkirk, Elma ran Eaton’s order office. Finally she finished her career as a payroll clerk for the Lord Selkirk School Division.
Elma met Michael Krewiak while bowling. They were married on September 23rd, 1950 at the Selkirk United Church. Together they had three children, Michael, Ron, and Michelle.
Elma was active in the community by volunteering with several organizations, such as a founding member of the Business and Professional Women’s Club, the Gordon Howard Seniors Centre, founding member of the Legion’s Over 60 Club, the Selkirk Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee, and volunteering at Selkirk United Church. Additionally, she was active in the War Amps of Canada along side her husband.
Elma retired in 1978 and continued to live in Selkirk, but wintered in Apache Junction, Arizona. She was a loving, caring, and positive person with a wonderful sense of humour. Her compassion for her country and community was a large part of who she was.
On January 4, 2014, Elma Gunter passed away peacefully at Seven Oaks General Hospital and is buried at the Little Britain Church Cemetery.
Elma Gunter Collection
Click on images to enlarge
Elma Gunter, c1944-1945, Gunter Family
Sources
Gunter Family
Stories of Selkirk’s Pioneers and Their Heritage, Kenneth G. Howard
Gilbart Funeral Home
Winnipeg Free Press, 1950, 2014
Selkirk Journal, 2002
