Elsa Leigh Ohsiek, age 90, passed away peacefully Saturday, December 20, 2025 at home with her family. She was born June 10, 1935 in Savannah, Georgia. Elsa was a lifelong member of The Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Ascension. She would often tell visitors of Savannah that when they are strolling along the beautiful streets and squares, the bells they hear are coming from her church.  

Elsa, an original Savannah Blue Jacket, graduated Savannah High in 1953. She then proceeded to attend Newberry College in South Carolina where she earned an Associate of Science Degree. 

Elsa married the love of her life, Pastor John Henry "Jack" Ohsiek, and was able to enjoy sixty-five wonderful years of a blissful marriage. Elsa enjoyed painting, dancing, and The Arts. She was very active in the theatre scene in Augusta, Georgia where she performed in numerous plays and musicals. In addition, she appeared in the 1990 TV movie The Rose and the Jackal, starring the late Christopher Reeve. 

Elsa's natural acting abilities served her well being a minister's wife. She balanced being a loving spouse, mother of four, and ministerial roles to perfection. 

As previously mentioned, Elsa was often seen in Wright Square with her Southern Charm inviting tourists and fellow Savannahians to come and worship with her. As a child, she was seen hanging from her knees on the brass railings of the old Savannah Union Station where her father was an engineer for the Seaboard Coast Line Railroad. For the curiosity seekers, a black and white photo of Union Station's brass railings can be seen in The Crystal Beer Parlor restaurant located on West Jones Street. 

Elsa is survived by her son Paul Ohsiek (Lilia), Tybee Island, GA; her daughters Elaine Bingham (Rick), Wake Forest, NC, and Jill Gaspin, Blufton, SC; along with eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, with one in the oven, all of whom she loved and adored. 

Remembrances  may be made to the Coastal Georgia Camellia Society of Savannah, GA and/or The Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Ascension, 120 Bull Street, Savannah, GA. 

A Memorial Service will be announced after the holidays.