September 22, 1918 – January 1, 2013
On January 1, 2013, Edie passed on peacefully in her sleep surrounded by family. She will be dearly missed by daughter, Colleen McConnell of Victoria, BC and son, John McConnell of Wetaskiwin, AB and their spouses; her grandchildren, Shane, Corinna Mary and spouses, plus 5 great-grandchildren, as well as step-grandchildren, Nick and Misha, their spouses and 3 children. Predeceased by 10 siblings, she is mourned by brother, Len Rattai and sister, Annie Gilmour of Calgary and many nieces and nephews. A much loved Mother, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother, Sister, Aunt and Friend, Edie is remembered for her generous heart and her love of home, garden and music. Her eternal courage, optimism and openness to the challenges life presented are an example few could match. Born on a homestead farm in Mannville, Alberta, she developed a strong work ethic in a life fraught with many challenges but always preferred to give rather than receive and never complained, even in her last painful year. She retired at 72 and moved at age 80 from Edmonton to Summergate Village in Sidney, BC and in her later years she enjoyed much happiness. Love, kindness, generosity, courage, creativity and honesty are a just few words that define Edie. She loved family, friends, strangers and animals unconditionally and her acts of kindness extended to many, putting others before herself. She had the courage to fight the battles before her and for others and would never back down in the face of adversity. Right to the end, her music entertained all and her exceptionally beautiful flower garden gave her and others great happiness. In her last years, she enjoyed the company of fellow musicians as she played her self-taught accordion, violin and harmonicas with the Sidney Acoustic Jam Group, Victoria Bluegrass Jammers, the Victoria Fiddle Club, and the Victoria Accordion Club. She played music regularly with beloved son-in-law David and during her last 15 months they entertained the residents and staff at Mt. Tolmie Hospital, where she endeared herself to many and is known for greeting others with “I love you.” Ninety-four years of love, laughter, helping, caring, sharing, going the extra mile, of making life better for others. Words fail to express her good deeds and love and time will not diminish them. Fond memories of her are left for us to celebrate.
Celebration of Life will be held at Salishan Hall, 2045 Summergate Boulevard, Sidney, BC at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 20th. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
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JOAN
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Wayne Pyra Colleen, John and families:
My condolences on learning that Edie has passed. I will always remember that she welcomed me into her home for a brief stay, after I had returned from a B.C. job that didn’t pan out. It was there that I stayed, when I got the call from Wardair. After more than forty gratifying years in aviation, I still think of the support and encouragement she provided, when my folks had just moved to Regina. Mom and I both often recalled her kindness and wit as the years passed. She was a dear friend to Emily in the Redwater days. Edie was a gem…
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Gedeon (Gerry) Presseau I’m sorry to hear of Edie’s passing, I first met Edie at the Sidney Wednesday Jam, as I always had the bad habit of apologizing before playing and signing a song, at a break, I approached her to ask how she got to play so many instruments, I play these instruments because I enjoy it, she told me to stop apologizing and play and sing and not to fear we all support each other, these words changed my attitude and I’m so sorry she passed away, her words will stay with me and I will always remember those kind words from this dear lady as I stand to play and sing, I will never forget, Adieu dear Edie,
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Maureen (McConnell) Cimino Dear Colleen and David, John, and family.
My sincere condolences to all of you on the loss of your precious mom. Although it has been many years since I have seen auntie Edie, I have very fond memories of the time I spent with her as a young girl. She was a kind and generous woman who always welcomed us into her home with open arms. I remember that she was very wise, and had incredible strength that allowed her to deal with the challenges that life inevitably brings. I can see from reading her obituary that she continued to share her gifts and touch the lives of others throughout her journey. May the memories that you hold closely to your hearts give you strength during this difficult time. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
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Gay Court I am sorry to hear of Edie’s passing. My thoughts are with Colleen, Johnny and families. I have many wonderful memories.
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Barry & Dorothy Ferris So sorry Colleen to see that your Mom has passed away, she was a lovely lady and brought a lot of pleasure with her music to a lot of people. She will be playing forever in Heaven with all the musicians up there. Our sincere condolences to you and the whole family, you are in our thoughts.
Dot & Barry
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Terry (Court) Smith I am so sorry to hear of Edie’s passing. She was there for me during a pivotal time of my life. I failed grade 7 and she tried so hard to get that changed for me. I will never forget that. There are so many other wonderful memories I will always cherish. My heart goes out to Colleen and John and their families. Always in my Thoughts! Terry (Court) Smith
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Benjamin Barnhart Our thoughts are with you at this time. I , among so many others have been inspired by knowing her. Her welcome smile, her music and her sense of humor was much appreciated and will be fondly remembered and referred to for years to come..
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Eileen Curteis My heartfelt love, prayers and deepest sympathy to you, dear Colleen and David and all family members. Edie’s love for others had a magical quality to it. She shone like the sun and when she said “I love you” she meant it. I can still see her “sparkling energy” at our Reiki Healing Support Groups along with her unique sense of humour that had a way of capturing our hearts. I’ll always remember that day, Colleen, when you arranged for my mom and myself to have a musical afternoon and tea party with your mom at her trailer in Sidney where we first saw her beautiful flowers that she tended to as only a gardener can. My mom was about 98 at the time and we were amazed at your mom’s giftedness. She could pick up any instrument and play it pronto. She was God’s loving gift to all of us. May she live on in your memories forever and be the new angel on your shoulder to guide you on your earthly pilgrimage until it is your time to cross over. Sister Eileen.
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Shirley and Michael Rose It was a privilege to have known Edie, she was an inspiration to all with her courage and love of life for others as well as herself.
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Ray Court deepsest sympathies to the Mcconnell family on the loss of Edie–lots of fond memories of the Redwater days
Edie was a special light and a lovely inspirng person in every way.
I shall always remember her walking into the tearoom with a smile and a greeting of happiness.
I will always remember Edie’s warnings to me to take care of myself. She meant it with such sincerity and affection.
Family and friends will remember Edie forever!