Elsa Luisa Kairies Palma

The first born to Richard Kairies and Elsa Palma, she grew up with three younger brothers and a baby sister, Elena, in the Port of Talcahuano.  Her love for her siblings led her to travel annually after retiring to spend time with her brothers (Jorge, Guillermo and Fernando) and family in Chile. And with Nena they regularly visited each other in Ottawa or Toronto, enjoying nature anytime of the year.

Her life led her through many challenges, and she consistently rose to the occasion. Her strength and perseverance are part of the legacy she leaves her daughters, Erika, Valentina and Tamara and grandchildren Diana, Javiera, Neylan and Aydin.

A hard-working woman she built and rebuilt her home countless times over the years, without concern to start over or dwelling on the past and material losses.  She knew that the right attitude and hard work would always land her on her feet, even when circumstances brought her to a new country with a new culture and language to learn.  And she was right, having established successful restaurants in Winnipeg (Canada) and Tome (Chile).

A devout catholic she was always there to serve her community, both within the church and outside.  She could be counted on to babysit, bake, chauffer, and support anyone who needed her help.

Her last years saw her life and herself change due to Alzheimer’s, but just as so many bumps in her life did not define her, this disease did not take away her will to enjoy life to the fullest.

Rest in peace sweet Mami and Abuela.