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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
LESSARD, Elsa - With deep respect and gratitude, we honour the life and legacy of Elsa Lessard, a beloved ‘Wrens’ and cherished member of our naval family who as a veteran was a tireless advocate of remembrance.
Elsa enlisted in the Women’s Royal Canadian Naval Service (WRCNS) in 1943 and served as a trained Morse Code listener at two top-secret radio stations: one just south of Ottawa, and another hidden on a farm near Gunningsville, New Brunswick.
There, she intercepted encrypted German U-boat transmissions and relayed vital signals that helped Bletchley Park crack the Enigma code, which gave Allied convoys a critical edge during the Battle of the Atlantic.
After the war, Elsa dedicated herself to educating Canadians and commemorating the women of the WRCN service. She shared her story at schools, museums, community groups, and even with the Canadian Security Intelligence Service.
In 2008, she received the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation. In later years she was a guest of honour at the unveiling of the Royal Canadian Naval Monument and was awarded the Robert I. Hendy Award in recognition of her maritime contributions.
Elsa described herself as serving “not for herself, but to remember the men who didn’t come back,” and vowed to ensure Canadians knew that women served in war “before I left the planet.” Her courage, clarity and compassion will inspire generations to come.
With respect, we extend our deepest condolences to Elsa’s family, to the WRCNS community, and to all those who carry forward her legacy. We will honour her memory by continuing to tell the stories of those who served in silence, and those whose contributions changed history.
In celebration of Elsa’s life and service, we invite you to listen to her ‘Faces of Freedom’ podcast episode #2, and read her full profile from Veterans Affairs Canada: https://www.veterans.gc.ca/en/remembrance/people-and-stories/podcasts/second-world-war-series
May fair winds and following seas accompany you, Ma’am. We Will Remember You!
LESSARD, Elsa - passed away peacefully on July 22, 2025, at home with loved ones by her side. She celebrated her 103rd birthday with friends and family members on July 2.
Elsa is predeceased by her parents Francis and Lucilla (nee Adams), her son, John, her grandson, David, her siblings, Frank, Mildred, Adrienne, Alf, Ossie and Ernie. Survived by her daughter, Janice, daughter-in-law Ginnie, her grandchildren, Debbie, Wendy, Nic, her great-grandchildren, Alyssa, Kaitlin, Nina and Connor and her great-grandchildren Rory and Logan. She will be missed by many friends and extended family.
Elsa is a WWII veteran and "WREN" as they were known, belonging to the Women's Royal Canadian Naval Service. She is notable for her work as a "Secret Listener" intercepting German Naval signals to be decoded at Bletchley Park on the famed decoding machine of Alan Turing. For her service she received the Voluntary Service Medal, the War Medal and in 2024, the King Charles III Coronation Medal. She received a Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation (2008), the Bletchley Park Service Badge (2010), the Robert I Hendy Award (2023), and has been described as a "National Treasure" by Adrienne Arseneau of the CBC and Admiral Topshee, Commander Royal Canadian Navy. Elsa was a passionate educator and enjoyed sharing her experience with Canadians of all ages on the role women played in the war effort, reminding people that women were full members of the Navy, not an auxiliary. Elsa has been interviewed on TV and in print many times although, later in life, as her story had been more fully told, she simply asked potential interviewers and well wishers to 'just google me'. Most recently in 2024 she appeared on CBC Newsworld on the occasion of the 80th Anniversary of the D-Day landings that marked the beginning of the end of the Second World War in Europe. In May 2025 she was a guest at the opening of the Last Voices of the Second World War exhibit at the Canadian War Museum; outlasting the band and demonstrating her swing dancing skills.
She was a proud NDP supporter, rallying for progressive causes including Women's Rights, Canada's Indigenous Reconciliation and peace initiatives. Born and raised in Ottawa she remained there until her death. She fondly remembered her time living in the Preston Street area, learning piano for twenty-five cents a lesson and studying ballet. An avid amateur genealogist, she set a foundation that others continue to build on. She spent hours researching family history, without the aid of the internet, from Chambois, France to Quebec with a detour through the United States and finally to Ottawa. An eager traveler, she reported there were not many parts of the world she had not visited. A trip to Chambois, as part of her research, was a travel high point.
Many thanks to the staff at Assurance Home Care and SE Health for the loving care they provided. Assurance Home Care is distinguished for their spirit of partnership, dedication, compassion and wisdom. They were instrumental in keeping Elsa at home, safe, happy and healthy.
Elsa has been interred at the National Military Cemetery at Beechwood Cemetery. Family and friends will gather at the Canadian War Museum beginning at 6 pm on Monday, August 11, 2025 for the Celebration of Life with the program beginning shortly after. Although not required, please consider indicating your intention to attend at tinyurl.com/ElsaCelebration to help us estimate the number of attendees.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Stephen Lewis Foundation, the Canadian War Museum or The War Amps. (The Ottawa Citizen 31 Jul 2025)
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