Elsie E. Perekrestenko Kessinger, 92, Hayward, California, and formerly of Minot and Butte, died Monday, February 5, 2007, in Hayward.

Loving mother of the late Delphine Movchan of Minot, ND and the late Gerald Perekrestenko of Butte, ND; and Karen Corso and Sandra Caesare, both residing in California. Elsie was a loving grandmother of 29 grandchildren and great grandchildren. Loving sister to Roy Antonov, and two sisters who have passed, Violet and Ruth. Loving Aunt to nieces and nephews.

Elsie married Mike Perekresentko in 1933 and also formed at that time a very wonderful and lasting friendship with her sister-in-law, Lena Porchun of Butte, ND. After the marriage ended in 1949 Elsie moved to California and remarried. She worked at Hunts Cannery for many years and retired in the late 1970's.

Elsie's greatest joy in life were her children, she spent many happy hours with them and the grandchildren. She also enjoyed reading, working crossword puzzles and visiting. She and her friend Lena wrote letters to each other at least twice weekly and that way Elise stayed connected with her little hometown of Butte, ND.

Elsie's wishes are to be buried in the Butte cemetery along side her two children that have gone before, as well as other relatives.

Services will be held in Butte, ND later this spring.

A celebration of Elsie's life will be held at a memorial service in Hayward, CA at a date to be announced later.

We will miss our mother always, as a more caring, loving mother does not exist.