Catherine Ann (Warren) Elsken

Catherine “Can Ann” Warren Elsken, 89, died peacefully in Boca Raton, FL on March 26, 2015. Daughter of the late George and Agnes Warren, she was born in Louisville, KY, June 30, 1925. She grew up in Berkeley, CA and graduated from Presentation High School in 1943.   She met James C. Elsken on a blind date in 1945 and they were married in Berkeley in 1949. Throughout their 60 years of marriage they lived in Berkeley, CA, Stamford, CT, Chicago, IL and Savannah, GA.

Catherine and Jim had 8 children and their home was always a welcoming place for nieces, nephews, neighbors and friends, Catholic Charity babies awaiting their adoptive parents, Fresh Air Fund children and international exchange students.  She prepared large wonderful meals served at a kitchen table that was a noisy and happy place.   A devout Catholic, she was an active member of St. Joseph the Worker (Berkeley, CA), St Leo’s (Stamford, CT), Immaculate Conception (Elmhurst, IL) and St. James (Savannah, GA).

Her husband, James, her daughter, Martha Ann Keizur, her son, Martin Elsken, and three sisters, Margaret Behounek, Bernadine Lilly, and Rita Mae Baldocchi predeceased her.  She is survived by her children Robert Elsken (Karen) of Charlotte, NC, Lawrence Elsken (Donna) of Ames, IA, Michael Elsken (Dianne) of Lincoln, NE, Daniel Elsken (Laura) of Greer, SC, Paul Elsken (Caroline) of Boca Raton, FL and Lynn Brynes (Andrew) of Durham, NC, her 14 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren and her sister, Dorothy Christianson, of Sun City, AZ.

A mass and burial will be held in Berkeley, CA in 2016.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the donor’s choice in Can Ann’s name.

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