EDNA AGNES REEKER (SWAN)

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EDNA AGNES REEKER (nee SWAN) Edna Reeker passed away during the early morning hours of September 27, 2005 at Lions Personal Care Centre. She was predeceased by her husband of 51 years, Harold Reeker, in 1998, and by her sisters, Eleanor, Ida and Myrtle and brothers, Fred and Walter. She is survived by her daughters, Dianne (John) Blewett of Winnipeg and Janet (Gerry) Fletcher of Govan, SK; as well as grandchildren, Matthew Blewett, Martha Blewett, Jason Fletcher, Michael Blewett and Daniel Fletcher. Her younger sister, Dorothy McCall was able to be with Edna during her final days. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Edna was born in Winnipeg, November 9, 1918 and spent her childhood on a farm near Grosse Isle, later moving to Argyle and finishing school there. As a young woman she lived in downtown Winnipeg, first working at Moore's Restaurant and then at the Manitoba Pool. She lived in an apartment at Portage and Sherbrook with her mother and sister, Dorothy. This was a time in Edna's life marked with fun and laughter with family and friends. After the war she met Harold and they married in March of 1947, Dianne was born in 1948. Soon Harold's career took them to Minnedosa. Janet was born there. In 1956 a move to Ottawa was a huge change. The separation from family and close friends was keenly felt. In Ottawa wonderful new friends were made and her flair for entertaining and dinner parties shone. She and Harold were active in Woodroffe United Church and her passion for auction sales and collecting antiques was born. Many happy summers were spent at a family cottage at Norway Bay. In 1965 Harold's job brought them back to the west, this time to Regina. Edna entertained friends and Harold's colleagues cheerfully and frequently. The house was always full of visitors from near and far. She and Harold were active participants in Knox Metropolitan United Church and became devoted Y members. Treasured grandchildren arrived and much of Edna's life revolved around their visits. After Harold's death in 1998 she moved back to Winnipeg and took up residence downtown at Webb Place -partly to be close to the Y. A decline in health curtailed her activities. The family is grateful to the home care workers whose attention allowed her to remain in her home, in particular Judy Beauregard. When independent living became impossible a move to Lions PCC reopened life for Edna. The activities at the Centre delighted her. The family is grateful for the care Edna received and for the extraordinary kindness shown to Edna and her family during her final weeks. The third floor staff treated Edna with dignity and kindness during her final days and we thank each and every one. Particular thanks to special friends Joanne Watkins and Laurie Yanchishyn for the individual time and attention they devoted to Edna. Memorial service will be held Saturday, October 8 at 1:00 p.m. at the Thomson Funeral Home, 669 Broadway, Winnipeg. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Lions Personal Care Centre, 320 Sherbrook St., Winnipeg R3B 2W6. THOMSON FUNERAL HOME 783-7211

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 01, 2005