GUNNING, Edith Rose Sophia, passed from this world on Tuesday, January 14,
2003. She was born August 20, 1916, in Calgary, Alberta, daughter of William
and Sophia Gilson. Edith was predeceased by her parents; two brothers,
Edmond and Leslie; and in September 1998, by her husband, Alec H. Gunning.
Alec Gunning practiced dentistry in Victoria, B.C. for many years. Alec and
Edith were married in 1950 and the couple resided in Victoria thereafter.
Her early education was in Calgary; later she received a B.A. degree at
Brandon College, at that time affiliated with McMaster University. She then
graduated from the Faculty of Education at the University of Saskatchewan
and subsequently completed a B. Ed. degree at the University of British
Columbia.
Edith Rose (Gilson) Gunning taught at schools in Alberta and Saskatchewan
and in Victoria at Mount Douglas and Oak Bay Senior Secondary Schools. After
her retirement from teaching; from 1966 to 1973, she served as Alderman in
Saanich. She was also a Director of the Capital Regional Board, later a
member of the British Columbia Housing Development Commission and a member
of the Canadian Housing Design Council.
Edith Gunning was an active member of a number of community organizations; a
charter and life member of the Garth Homer Society, President and Honorary
Life Member of the Capital Mental Health Association and president of the
University Women’s Club. In 1992, she was awarded the Governor General’s
Confederation Medal for service to the community and Canada. Recently a
C.M.H.A-B.C. Housing development on Wilson Street was named “Edith Gunning
Court” in recognition of her activities in the social housing field.
Edith leaves next of kin, Kathleen Morris and many dear friends and cousins.
Sincere thank you to the many dedicated friends and caregivers who graced
Edith’s life.
A Memorial Service will be held at McCALL BROS. FLORAL CHAPEL, Johnson and Vancouver Streets on Friday, January 24, 2003 at 2:00 p.m. A reception will follow in the Graham McCall Family
Centre.
Donations may be made to the Capital Mental Health Association, Victoria
Hospice or the charity of choice
-
Bonnie Cowan
I have often thought of Edith over the years. I was a young campaign worker for her in the early 1970’s, and we used to have many interesting political discussions. I admired her greatly. She had vision, determination,kindness and graciousness in abundance. My sincere and heartfelt condolences to her family. Sincerely, Bonnie Cowan