Edith’s Obituary
The secret to longevity is surely a happy heart and an optimistic outlook. Edith had both. She lived a long life, and although she faced a good number of challenges, she never lost the ability to make the best of things. She loved to laugh, tell jokes, and talk (talk talk talk!) on the phone. When company dropped in, they could be sure of some good strong tea from her rose covered tea cups.
Edith was the youngest of 7 children, born on the family farm near Mazenod, Saskatchewan, on February 9, 1921. After graduating from high school at 17, she was thrilled to be accepted to Normal School in Moose Jaw. She was forever grateful to her parents and her siblings who never had the opportunity for education but gave her the money to finish grade 12 and become a teacher.
Over the next few years, she taught at Dixie School near Kincaid, Uplands School near Chamberlain, Pine Lake School near Chaplin, and Percy School near Kisbey. It was while teaching at Uplands School that she happened to meet a handsome young man who was working for the Department of Highways. Roy knew a good thing when he saw one and put a ring on her finger December 2, 1943.
Together, Edith and Roy farmed and raised a family: Jim (Linda Ritchie); Brian (Mary Anne Prefontaine); Bob (Doris Anderson Watt); Maureen (Bill Ireland); Norma (Bill Kapphahn). They were blessed with 7 grandchildren: Chris (Sarah Still), Regan, Andrew, Devon, Duncan (Michelle); Jordan; Lauren (Anthony Paul). Later, 3 great grandchildren joined the family: Freyja, Callum, Liam.
Edith was a quick walker and quick talker, and never compromised on her independence. No crossword was too tough. She always had a book on the go. Her memory was so sharp, remembering everyone’s birthdays and telephone numbers right to the end. Who will we call for updates and recollections now that she is gone? She was the glue that kept the Wilcock family siblings and cousins well informed and connected.
She had many, many good friends over the years, including Bernice Doney, Jean Van Nus, Carrie Camphaug, Lillian Camphaug, Jean Hatton, Madeleine Gunningham, and of course, her posse from the 6th Floor at Athabasca Towers.
As Edith said, “I have had a very happy, blessed life, a happy home with parents, brothers and sisters who loved me, a wonderful loving husband who was also my best friend, and children who have all been so good to me”.
Edith is predeceased by her husband, Roy Gunningham, and son Robert Gunningham and his wife, Doris Anderson Watt. She is also predeceased by: her parents, Hannah and Robert; siblings Edgar, Ernest, Doris (Fred Langstaff), Florrie, Norah (Ross Pederson), Robert (Margaret); nephews Bobby and Arthur; Roy’s parents, John and Louisa; aunt, Vida; siblings Jean (Joe Hatton), Don (Madeleine); cousin Norm Light (Ina).
She believed that her faith in God was strengthened, not lessened, by adversity.
We will miss you, Edith.
A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, September 14, 2021 at 1:30 PM at Jones – Parkview Chapel, 474 Hochelaga St W, Moose Jaw. Reverend Tim Ellis will officiate. According to the family wishes, all attending must be double vaccinated for at least two weeks and must wear masks. For those who cannot attend, a Zoom presentation of the service is available at the following link: us02web.zoom.us/j/87396891949
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Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Edith Gunningham February 09 1921 September 05 2021..
Jones-Parkview Funeral Services
Décès pour la Ville: Moose Jaw, Province: Saskatchewan