It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of our deeply loved Wife, Mom, and Grannie. Edith was born in Hamilton, Scotland on November 24, 1949. She came to Canada with her parents David and Jeanie Russell and elder brother John in 1953, settling in Victoria. She is survived by her loving husband Craig, her devoted daughter Stephanie Goodwin (Aaron), their adoring granddaughter, Piper Bisson, Craig’s family here and in New Zealand, and many good friends.
Sports were a big part of Edith’s life for many years and she excelled in track as a youth. She and Craig were both very passionate players of field hockey with Edith continuing to play into her forties. They also were fixtures of the local lawn bowling community and loved watching just about every other sport they could.
Edith made a career for 30 years in insurance services. In 2004, Edith and Craig decided to embark on an adventure, taking them to Craig’s birthplace, New Zealand’s south island, where they lived for four years. In 2008, Vancouver Island called them back and Sooke became their chosen place to lay roots down again. Not long after returning to Canada she would go on her best adventure ever, becoming a wonderful grandmother to Piper. They had lots of fun together and memories were made that will stay with Piper forever.
Edith was independent, brave, strong, and always ready for a good laugh. These qualities carried her (and us) through some major health challenges over the past two decades. Over the years, Mom came under of the care of some truly wonderful and compassionate physicians. She marveled at how lucky she was to receive this level of care and we are so grateful that she did.
Sadly, she was taken from us by cancer, which she lived with for eight years. We desperately wish we had more time with her, but it was not to be. She passed away peacefully with her daughter by her side. Words cannot express how thankful we are to the amazing health care team at the Victoria Hospice who cared for her over these past few months. Not only did they make the last leg of her journey gentle and kind, they supported Craig and Stephanie throughout it all.
There will be no service at Edith’s request and flowers are gratefully declined. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Victoria Hospice in Edith’s name.
Victoria Hospice 4th floor, Richmond Pavilion 1952 Bay St. Victoria, BC V8R 1J8
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Julie C
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Maryann Little Dear Craig, stephanie and family
We just heard yesterday anout the death of Edith.
John and i are so sorry to hear about this, We didnt know Edith well but when we saw her at Lawn Bowls tourneys
Edith was always there with her beautiful smiles.
If i hear her name i willl always see her beautiful smiles
Our thoughts and prayers are being sent to you all.
Maeyann and John Little
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Jason Gregg Edith it is so sad you have left us. You meant so much to people I care about so much. I promise to love the family you have left behind and support them the best that I can. I have had many toasts in your honour since you passed away and I think you would like that. Lots and lots of love to you wherever you are. I think you are pretty fantastic. X
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Heather Battles My deepest condolences to Craig and all of Edith’s family and friends. Edith was a big part of what made the Burnside LBC such a friendly, welcoming place, especially for us young bowlers.
Hugs across the Pacific.
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Liz Munn Dear Craig and Stephanie,
My heart goes out to you. So very many fond Rebel memories of playing field hockey with Edith. Hours of fun – laughing, chatting, and the odd beverage after games. Although we didn’t see much of each other in the last 20 or so years I will never forget the camaraderie in the 70s, and 80s. My condolences to Craig Steph and Family. ..and to “Badloss” I toast you with “Rye and Coke..no ice!”
Love and hugs Liz
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Pat Hall Craig, I am so sorry to hear that Edith was so sick and passed away. Liz Munn phoned me and let me know. Liz and I reminisced about the great times we had together, especially our trips to the Cal. Cup in Venturi?
I hope you going to be ok. My condolences.
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Mel Varcoe Steph – Blake and I are so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you throughout all of this. Just want to hug you.
Love,
Mel and Blake
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Michael West Craig and family. Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of Edith. I had so many hours of laughs(and drinks) at the Rebels clubhouse over the years with you and Edith that it’s hard to believe that she’s not with us anymore. They were the best years of my life. Take care of yourselves. Mike West
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Charlie and Ann Laidman We are so saddened to hear of Edith’s passing. Our memories are from the Rebel’s field hockey and clubhouse days so, a long time ago. Lots of fun we all had.
Our thoughts are with you Stephanie, Craig and family. Xo
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Jim Welham Dear Craig and Stephanie,
We are heartbroken to learn of Edith’s passing. Such fond memories of the fun times we had back in the day. We think of you and those days often. We hope that you will be comforted by the love and support from all of those close to you. We were so impressed and touched by the beautiful obituary.
Hugs,
Jeannette & Jim
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June Filleul Dear Craig. So very sorry to hear of Edith’s passing. She was a friend before we both worked together at Hendry, Swinton and we shared many a laugh. Unfortunately we lost touch after you moved to New Zealand but I often thought of her and how you were doing. So wish that I had known you moved back and I would have loved to have reconnected again. My thoughts are with you and your family!
I was thinking of Edith this evening. I looked her up. So sad to hear of her passing.
“Edith was independent, brave, strong, and always ready for a good laugh.”
So true, she was the best coworker I ever had in the insurance industry. She would always tell me to “get it together and focus!” when I was a younger less experienced gal. I think of her often. I loved hearing about ‘lawn bowls’. She was so loveable.
My condolences.