EDITH SIMPSON (BRUCE)

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EDITH SIMPSON (nee BRUCE) February 1, 1929 - December 8, 2006 With sad hearts the family announces the death of our Mom, Edith on December 8, 2006. She had recently returned to Winnipeg after residing in Nanaimo, BC since 1999. She was predeceased by her husband, Jack in April of this year, as well as her parents, and all but one sibling. She is survived by one sister (Elizabeth, Calgary); her children, Caroline (Vancouver), Heather (Barry, Winnipeg) and Russ (Natalie, Calgary); as well as her grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Edith was born in Glasgow, Scotland and was the youngest of six children. She had many great stories, both happy and tragic, about her life in Scotland during the Second World War. She immigrated to Canada in 1953 and first settled in Calgary. She liked to remind us that she arrived in this country with two pence in her pocket and that it was hard work and perseverance that allowed her to support her family during those years. She was trained in the profession of fitting shoes, particularly children's shoes, and remained in the shoe business for all of her professional life. Edith was a dedicated spouse and mother whose energy was focused on supporting her family. We knew that she was the rock we could rely and depend on through the calm and stormy seas of our lives. Apart from her family, Edith loved two things, politics and a good party. She participated in two provincial campaigns in Manitoba and she thoroughly enjoyed political debate, particularly if it became emotional and heated. Edith was very musical which she expressed through the piano, dance and singing, and was often the life of the party. Mom was a determined, spirited, no nonsense woman tempered with a capacity for compassion. She was not shy about expressing her opinion and people always knew where they stood with her. However, she also had the ability to demonstrate great affection to her family and friends. Above all, Edith had a great sense of wit and was always able to see the humour in even the most challenging situations. It was this characteristic that enabled her to manage the many curves that life threw her way. These qualities made her a truly remarkable person who will be missed greatly by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Cremation has taken place and there will be a service at St. Phillip's by-the-Sea Anglican Church in Nanaimo in the new year.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 16, 2006