EDITH MAY HENDERS

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EDITH MAY HENDERS Peacefully, in the wee hours of Saturday, June 23, 2007, Edith May Henders (nee Gillespie) passed away at Poseidon Care Centre, Winnipeg, MB, at the age of 103 years 9 months. Edith is survived by her sons, Gerald (Marilyn) of Calgary, AB, Keith (Audrey Wall) of Saanichton, BC, and Wayne (Mary Jane Kiceluk) of Winnipeg, MB; five grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren; sister Marie Gillespie; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Eldrid (1966); brothers, Wilfred, Robert, John, Donald; and sister Alma. Edith was born in Winnipeg, MB, on September 26, 1903, but moved to Dominion City, MB, at an early age. She began a rewarding teaching career at the age of 17, teaching in one-room schoolhouses in Miami and Ninette, MB, until her marriage to Eldrid, June 29, 1929. She was content to be a full-time wife and mother, but when it became legal for married women to teach, she returned to the classroom in the early 1950s as a substitute teacher for Winnipeg School Division No. 1. Through the years Edith taught many grades and subjects at many schools but found her niche with special needs children, pioneering the Special Education Program within the division. She retired in her mid 70s and enjoyed extensive and lengthy travels to western Canada and the United States. Mother will be remembered for her fabulous sense of humour and keen wit, her kind and generous ways and her joy of life. The family extends its heartfelt thanks to the staff of Poseidon Care Centre where Edith resided for the past 10 and one half years. She truly enjoyed the numerous activities, parties, outings and your friendship, but most of all, the ice cream. We know that you are missing Teacher as much as we are. In keeping with her wishes, cremation has taken place; no service will be held. A private family interment will take place at a later date. The family requests that, if so desired, donations may be made in Edith's memory to the Resident Craft Fund, Poseidon Care Centre, 70 Poseidon Bay, Winnipeg, MB R3M 3E5.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 30, 2007