EDNA (TONSAKER) GIROUX

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EDNA (TONSAKER) GIROUX Edna (Tonsaker) Giroux passed away at the Lake of the Woods District Hospital on Friday, December 7, 2001, at the age of 84. She was predeceased by her parents, Henry and Klara (Anderson) Tonsaker; a sister and brother-in-law, Lily and Einar Johnson; a brother and sister-in-law, Charlie and Minnie Tonsaker; a grandson Ryan Fraser; brothers-in-law, Bill, Ed, Joe, Bob Giroux and Frank Claes; and sisters-in-law, Lily Littler and Rose Claes. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Martin Giroux; four children, Hank (Rev. Cathy) of Kenora, Joan Johnson of Florida, Shirley (Bob) Hicks of Port Elgin, ON and Debbie (Stewart) Farrow of Elliot Lake, ON; 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Edna will also be remembered by her brothers, Ralph (Millie) Tonsaker of British Columbia and Norman (Ivy) Tonsaker of Winnipeg; sisters-in-law, Violet Littler of British Columbia, Mary (Jim) Kidd of Selkirk, Dorothy, Margaret and Adrienne Giroux; and numerous nieces and nephews. Edna was born in Chatfield, MB in 1917 on the homestead that her father worked after arriving from Norway. She attended Fish Lake School and later moved to McKenzie Island, Red Lake, to work in a bunk house for the miners. This is where she met and married Martin in 1938. Over the years Edna moved and lived in Kenora, Thunder Bay and Sudbury. She moved back to Kenora in 1976 when Martin retired. Because of her small stature, Edna made most of her own clothes on a hand-cranked sewing machine. She was gifted at crocheting and other crafts. She was an avid reader and enjoyed talking books over the last few years as her eyesight failed. She also enjoyed solving crossword puzzles. Edna enjoyed cooking, especially treats at special seasons of the year. Edna was active in St. James Anglican Church for many years and following the move to Parkview Apartments, began attending First Presbyterian Church where she enjoyed fellowship with the womens groups and other church activities. Edna made many lasting friends at Parkview and appreciated the fellowship there. The family extends grateful thanks to Dr. Ramchandar, Dr. Speilman and the staff on 2 East for their loving care of Edna and the family. We also sincerely thank Rena McIlwraith from St. James and Bob Wyber from First Presbyterian for their faithful visits. We are most appreciative to all those who prayed, visited, phoned or sent cards. A service of celebration of Ednas life will be held at First Presbyterian Church at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 12, with Rev. Bob Wyber and The Venerable David Ashdown (Bishop-elect) jointly conducting the service. Flowers gratefully declined. Donations to the Canadian Cancer Society or the CNIB would be appreciated. Brown Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements. 1-807-468-8633.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 11, 2001