Obituary
Edith Barkley (nee Steadman), passed away peacefully with her children by her side, on October 10, 2020 at the age of 84 years. Lovingly known as “Edie,” she was born on January 27, 1936 in Calgary Alberta to Edna and Roy Steadman. As a child, Edie enjoyed dancing, music, and reading, and growing up with her younger sister Sandra (Luft) in their Hillhurst family home. After graduating from Crescent Heights High School, Edie enrolled in the Calgary General Hospital School of Nursing, graduating in 1958. Much of her nursing career was spent selflessly supporting patients on the burn unit at the Foothills Hospital in her hometown of Calgary.
On June 29, 1963, Edie succumbed to the ongoing pursuits of one of her many suitors, and married Ronald “Ron” Barkley in front of family and friends in Calgary. While nursing, curling, bowling, social outings and marriage occupied most of her moments, Edie and Ron found the time to purchase their forever family home in the neighbourhood of Parkdale in the late sixties, and soon filled said home with son Trevor in 1968, and daughter Tara in 1971, along with a few dearly beloved dogs. Parkdale and it’s residents quickly established a deep connection in Edie’s heart as she formed cherished relationships with many a neighbour and community member. Edie was highly involved the Parkdale Community Association, serving as President for a number of years. She could often be found in JJ’s, socializing and sharing laughs and stories with anyone and everyone. Edie always had a soft spot for “trouble-makers” (probably fashioned through the patience she afforded her children), and connected with many during her times at JJ’s.
Edie was a giver. One would often find her driving Tara or Trevor to a practice, or game, or to a performance, or event, or volunteering in the Queen Elizabeth High School cafeteria, and she spent hours upon hours supporting both kids in their many activities. She was unabashedly proud of her children and whatever endeavor they might pursue. She gave to her community regularly, serving on boards, assisting with improvement initiatives, and organizing events. A social soul, Edie enjoyed friends and family, spending much of her time with neighbours, community friends, or family, hosting celebrations and organizing happenings. Her Parkdale home was often a haven for Trevor and Tara’s social circle, regardless of the hour, or the number of participants.
Edie was also a survivor. Breast cancer, diabetes, a couple of highly complicated hip replacements, and a heart condition tried to quell Edie’s spirts on numerous occasions. Ever stubborn, Edie overcame these medical challenges and kept on giving. She also survived the playfully “prankful” ways of her husband Ron, and her children. Edie was a staunch supporter of many charities, donating her time and money to the cause.
Family events filled her soul, whether traditional gatherings such as Christmas or Thanksgiving, or special occasions such as weddings or milestone birthdays, Edie took joy in connecting with immediate, and extended family, and dearly loved her in-laws. She also dearly loved camping with family each summer at Mara Lake. Edith is lovingly remembered by her children, Trevor (Kathy) and Tara (Raye) Morley; her two grandchildren, Ryan and Ella; her sister, Sandra Luft; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Edie was predeceased by her mother Edna, her father Roy, and her husband Ron.
A celebration of life in memory of Edie may be held at a future date, time and location yet to be determined. Edie will be interred in the Queens Park Cemetery Columbarium, next to her husband Ron.
In lieu of flowers, those who so desire may make memorial donations to either The Canadian Diabetes Association (www.diabetes.ca/), or The Canadian Cancer Society (www.cancer.ca/).
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Edith Louise Barkley, please visit our floral store.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Edith Louise Barkley January 27 1936 October 10 2020 (age 84)..
Death notice for the town of: Calgary, Province: Alberta