It is with great sadness and much love and gratitude that our family announces the passing of our cherished mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend, Eira Tydfil Spaner on April 1st, 2018 at the age of 91. She is lovingly remembered by her five children and six grandchildren. She was ever so proud of their professional and life accomplishments. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, as well as countless friends who were touched by her generosity of spirit and loving, open heart. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Bernard (Bud), her sister and brother.
Born in Coleman, Alberta in the Crowsnest Pass, she was fiercely proud of her Welsh heritage and loved to introduce herself as a “simple coal miner’s daughter”. She was forever grateful to her father who instilled in her a lifelong love of learning and encouraged her to seek higher education. As a teacher, she inspired generations of students, many of whom remained friends throughout her life. In her retirement, she travelled widely in the world with her husband Bud, to many exotic locales.
A loyal patron of the Edmonton artistic community, she supported local artists throughout her life, and was an original patron of the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, the Opera, live theatre, cinema and local festivals. She was active in service, always mindful of those in need, a crusader for social justice, supporter of many charities, and delivered Meals on Wheels with Bud until her arthritic joints could no longer support her. She was an avid sports fan, supporting the local teams, but her greatest love was tennis and her family knew that despite her devotion to her husband, the true love of her life was Roger Federer. But mostly she was a devoted, loving wife, mother and grandmother, ever supportive, ever accepting, and ever loyal.
A woman of great courage she bore her painful crippling arthritis with dignity and patience, grateful for life’s gifts to her. Although we will miss her terribly, we too are grateful for her full life and the knowledge that she is at peace, and finally free of pain.
Special thanks for the care she received over the years from Dr. Judy Cheng, the friends and staff at Canterbury Manor where she enjoyed the last decade of her life, and especially Dr. Clark and the staff of 9Y at the Edmonton General Hospital for their care in the last weeks of her life.
A Celebration of her Life will be held at Riverbend United Church, 14907 – 45 Avenue, Edmonton on Saturday, April 7th at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, Mom would love it if you could support your local artist or musician, or contribute to any cause that will make the world a better place.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Eira Tydfil Spaner April 1 2018.source
Décès pour la Ville: Edmonton, Province: Alberta
