EDNA WINTERS

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EDNA WINTERS May 23, 1915 - October 18, 2006 Peacefully, on Wednesday, October 18, 2006 at Misericordia Place, Mom, Grandma, and Great-Grandma passed away at 91. Mom was predeceased by her husband Archie in 1986, son Garry in 2004, parents Melvin and Margaret Loat, and siblings, Irene (Frank) Morden, Allen (Angie) Loat, Margaret Loat, and a brother Norman, who died in the Second World War. Mom was born in Kenville, MB to Melvin and Margaret Loat in 1915. There was always some question if her actual birth date was May 21 or May 23, but the family always celebrated May 23. She attended Normal School in Dauphin, the beginning of a long, distinguished career as an educator and teacher. Her career included one and two room schools at Sandringham, Mineral Creek in the Ashville district, Gilbert Plains, Henderson Elementary in Dauphin, and concluded as the Principle of the McNeil School. Mom was passionate and committed to the value of education and students who passed through her classroom or her school were held to a high expectation and standard, but an expectation tempered with compassion and caring, because Mom was well aware that people are given differing abilities. Her expression that best illustrated the passion to education and bettering oneself was it is better to aim high and fail, than to aim low and succeed . During her career, she was a caring mentor and role model for the many young lives who came through her classrooms. Mom and Dad lived on the family farm in Ashville for over 40 years, raising two sons, Garry born in 1945, and Trevor born in 1949. The years on the farm were filled with great memories. Mom prepared huge welcoming meals for the gang of young men who came out to the farm virtually every weekend. Brian Yeo, Bonnar Scott, Bob Hicks, and Randy Dawson always had a special place in Mom's heart. Summer was filled with visitors and Mom was always so happy to see family and friends. Visits from the Dawsons and the Scotts were much welcomed and anticipated events, and who could ever forget the marathon Canasta games that ensued. The farm was not rich in money, but it was rich in big happy welcoming memories of which Mom was such a big part. Mom and Dad moved into Dauphin in the 1970s, and a few years after Dad died in 1986, Mom moved into Winnipeg. She enjoyed her retirement years immensely, filling her time with travel, her cabin at Clear Lake, and golf. She also took up Bridge, a game she became most proficient at. Her travels took her around the world, and her final international voyage, was to visit her brother Norman's grave site in France In her last few years, declining health made her life difficult, but through it all, she never lost her sense of humour and grace. Her most difficult time was the untimely passing of her oldest son Garry, in August 2004. Although she handled this with her usual strength and courage, a bit of Mom passed away with Garry. She is lovingly remembered and survived by Garry's family in British Columbia, wife Barbara and children Jason and Leah, and Trevor and Wendy in Winnipeg, and their sons Craig (Marilyn) and Tim (Cathy Ann). On November 15, 2005, Craig and Marilyn presented Mom with a beautiful great-grandson, Matthew Garry, and she took great pleasure and delight in Matthew. Mom had a very special relationship with Wendy. Both shared a common vision of family and family values, and the value of education, and Wendy truly was the daughter that Mom never had. Special thanks goes out to Craig and Tim and their families for being there during her final few days. After a life-time of accomplishment and strength, you can rest now Mom. You passed on your message of integrity, courage, and the love and value of family. Services will be held on Friday, November 3 at the Dauphin United Church, 37 3rd Avenue NW at 1:00 p.m. The Coutu Family in care of Arrangements: E.J COUTU CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 680 Archibald Street 253-5086

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 03, 2006