Obituary

Elva Ruth (Wood) Gartsu, of Worcester fell asleep in the Lord on Wednesday, April 29, 2015 at the age of 83. She was born on May 22, 1931 in Millbury, the daughter of Alfred and Gertrude (Hazelwood) Wood. Her beloved husband and "partner in crime" Vasil Gartsu passed away in 2002. She was predeceased by her brother, Alfred Wood, sister, Margaret M. "Peggy" Wright, and nephews Paul M. Wright and Dennis E. Wright. She is survived by sisters-in-law Marion Wood, Julie Doku, and brother-in-law Mitch Gartsu.

Elva worked for many years at the Norton Company (Saint-Gobain Corporation). She was a dedicated volunteer and supporter of Holy Trinity Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Likewise, in her last years friends and visitors were always touched by the loving and Christ-centered care provided to her by the staff of St. Mary's Health Care Center in Worcester.

Elva often spoke of the Christian values imbued in her by her mother, and in her later years she ardently embraced the Orthodox Christian Faith. She was a faithful and devoted servant of God, always present in Church for the first blessing of Matins each Sunday morning. She was a benefactor and committed steward of St. Nicholas Church who always gave generously of her time and anonymously of her treasure as an expression of her love for Christ and His Church. May her memory be eternal!

Elva's funeral will be held on Saturday, May 2, at 10:00 AM at St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, 34 Gold St., Shrewsbury, MA 01545 with calling hours from 9:00 - 10:00 AM that morning at the church. Contributions to honor her memory may be offered to St. Nicholas Orthodox Church.

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