It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our dear mother Edna, at May Court Hospice, with family by her side, on Thursday, February 11, 2021, at the age of 91 years.
Born in Detroit, Michigan, in 1929, Edna May Thompson was the beloved wife of the late Donald Fraser. Edna’s family returned to Canada, when she was two years old and settled in Ottawa. Edna grew up in a house that’s still standing today, built by her father, Selby, and her brother, Reg, in the Rockcliffe Annex (Manor Park). Edna attended Rockcliffe Public School, and graduated from the High School of Commerce (now Glebe Collegiate) just before the war ended. It was during this time that Edna met the true love of her life, Donald Fraser, “the greatest bag pipe player this side of heaven!”. In 1951, Edna survived her three year battle with Tuberculosis. Edna and Donald were married in St. Giles Presbyterian Church, the Cameron Highlanders’ Home-Church, in 1954, and moved into their house on Second Avenue. Together, she and Don raised a family of four, two boys and two girls, until Don’s sudden death in 1986. Edna selflessly devoted her life to her family, her church, and her community. She was a very wise and resourceful person, with many talents: knitting, crocheting, cake decorating, drawing, painting, craft work, gardening, and baking, to mention a few. She was especially known for her Scottish shortbread at Christmas time. With her artistic creativity and beautiful gardens; non-judgemental and accepting ways; unconditional love, support, and guidance Edna inspired many.
Her love for family, friends, and pets; her love of music, and gardening never left her. Edna’s generosity, her quick wit and lovely laugh; her gracious, gentle manner; her love of life, and her big, kind heart still remained as her dementia took over. Edna will always be remembered for not least of all her inherent kindness, her heartwarming smile and her love of life.
She was predeceased by her brother Reg Thompson (Jean), her sister Joan Voller (Keith) and her parents Selby “Tommy” Thompson and Clara Slack.
Loving mother of David (Patricia Speers), Jamie (Donna Lamoureux), Christine (Charles Dulude) and Laurie. Devoted grandmother to Jason, Kate, Michael, Andrew and Evan. Great-grandmother to Ashlee, Brydan, Jordan, Sebastian and Maliyah. Great-great-grandmother to Matteo and Xavier. Edna will be sadly missed by all her nieces, nephews and all who knew her.
Edna loved her pets, and was known for her everlasting support for animal welfare and nature conservation.
The Dementia Adult Day Program, was invaluable to improving the quality of Edna’s life, in her final years. Edna really enjoyed and anticipated every day she got to spend with them, filling a void brought on by dementia. By providing a safe and happy place, and maintaining Edna’s sense of purpose, independence and dignity; our family is forever grateful to the caring and compassionate staff, of Abbotsford House at the Glebe Centre.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Abbotsford at the Glebe Centre – Dementia Adult Day Program, or to the Ottawa Humane Society.
Edna is dearly missed, and will live in our hearts and cherished memories, always and forever.
A Funeral Service will be held at St. Giles Presbyterian Church, Saturday March 6th, 2021, 10:30am. Due to Covid 19 number restrictions, the service will be by invite only. Consult web site links for their Virtual Funeral Services www.hpmcgarry.ca , and, or, stgilesottawa.org
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Edna May Fraser Thompson Thursday February 11th 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Ottawa, Province: Ontario