Elizabeth “Lizzie” Menkus

Elizabeth Eula Sylvester Menkus

Birth: November 23, 1869 in Victoria, B.C.

Death: May 18, 1937 (age 67-68) in Victoria, B.C.

Biography:
Elizabeth Menkus was a daughter of Victoria pioneers. She was an excellent student and went on to become a popular school teacher, wife and mother.

Elizabeth was the eldest of the eight children born to Victoria pioneers Frank and Cecelia Sylvester. She did well in school. On December 18, 1884, the Victoria Daily Times reported that she scored very well in spelling and dictation, arithmetic, grammar, writing, composition, natural philosophy, bookkeeping, and Latin.

In 1897, Elizabeth began her teaching career at Boy’s Central School. On August 24, 1912, the Victoria Daily Times reported that Elizabeth transferred to George Jay School, where taught until her retirement was announced in the July 8, 1931 edition of the Times Colonist.

On April 4, 1902, Elizabeth Eula married Morris Menkus of Seattle. The marriage took place at the Sylvester’s home. Elizabeth had a cashmere and satin veil and orange blossoms. Louise Sylvester attended the bride and their brother Clarence “Toots” Sylvester attended the groom. Rabbi Cohen presided after which the parties had a sumptuous wedding breakfast. A reception as held at the Hebrew Ladies Hall. One hundred fifty people attended. The paper reported that the couple received “numerous and costly gifts.” The newlyweds set out for Seattle in the evening.

The couple’s daughter Elise Dorothy was born in Victoria on March 5, 1903. The couple moved to Seattle where on July 4, 1904 their son Julian Alfred was born. While the family lived in Seattle, Morris sold life insurance. The family returned to Victoria in 1908.
Elise became a stenographer. On April 19, 1924 she married Mr. Elmer Edwin Reed of Seattle in a Civil Service at the Court House in Victoria A sumptuous lunch at the Menkus family home at 1105 Princess Street followed. The Times Colonist reported that “The pretty girl bride was unusually charming in a dress of delphinium blue courgette, a hat made of blue visca with grey accessories. Her coat was black trimmed with monkey fur. The presents were numerous and beautiful and included a number of substantial checks. The couple left for Vancouver en route to their honeymoon in Portland.” The couple planned to live in the Westport Apartments, Queen Anne Hill, Seattle. By 1935 Elise and Elmer were living in Beverley Hills with their two children Dorothy and Richard.
Son married Julian worked in the circulation department of The Daily Times before moving to Seattle. On July 4, 1930 he married Miss Ida Dunievitz of Denver in Sacramento, California.

Elizabeth travelled in society circles. The Victoria Daily Times reported on August 2, 1930 that Elizabeth attended a “delightful” surprise tea and bridge party hosted by Mrs. Berman. However, Elizabeth didn’t win any of the bridge games.

The Times Colonist on May 18, 1937 reported that Elizabeth returned home after having been in the hospital. Shortly after, Morris died suddenly. Elizabeth died unexpectedly hours before Morris’ funeral.

Gravesite Details: Row C – Plot 23

Inscription:
In Loving Memory of
Elizabeth E
1869 – 1937

Morris
1871 – 1937
Menkus

Parents:
Cecelia Davies Sylvester (1848-1935)
Francis Joseph “Frank” Sylvester (1837–1908)

Spouse:
Morris Menkus (1871–1937)

Children:
Elise Dorothy Menkus Reed
born March 5, 1903 in Seattle,
married Elmer Edwin Reed in 1927,
died on August 31, 1987 in San Francisco.

Julian Alfred Menkus,
born July 4, 1904 in Seattle, Washington,
married Miss Ida Dunievitz of Denver in Sacramento, California on July 4, 1930,
died September 9, 1960 in Riverside, California

Siblings:
Louise Sylvester (1872-1955)
William Benjamin Sylvester (1874-1931)
Clarence Bertram “Toots” Sylvester (1876-1933)
Maybel “May” Violet Sylvester Ellis (1878-1941)
Jesse Percival Sylvester (1881-1945)
Rachael “Ray” Valentine Sylvester Campbell (1884-1975)
Rebecca “Ruby” Florence Sylvester Macrae (1889-1980)