EDNA (ADDIE) ROBBIE

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EDNA (ADDIE) ROBBIE Passed away peacefully on November 28, 2007 at the age of 96. Edna was born in Winnipeg on October 16, 1911, the second in a family of two sisters and two brothers. After completing public school, she enrolled in the St. Boniface School of Nursing. Edna told many stories about the rigorous training she received from the nuns at St. Boniface and her nursing career thereafter. She did not practice nursing for long, however, as a very special gentleman crossed her path. In 1949, Edna married Jacques (Jack) Robbie. He was a loving husband who always had a twinkle in his eye for his new wife. Addie was an excellent homemaker, and she helped her new teenage step-children, Jackie Rafferty and Bob Robbie, as they made their transition to adulthood. Addie and Jack spent many loving years together, and he predeceased Addie in 1997. While Edna lived her entire life in Winnipeg, she loved the idea of traveling. In her later years, some of her wishes were fulfilled as she went on winter excursions to the southern USA with her family and close friends. Family meant a great deal to Addie, and their times together in warm climates provided her with fun-filled adventures and closeness. Addie's hobbies included a soft spot for feline company. She enjoyed collecting Hummel figurines, an enthusiasm which she shared with her niece, Kathy. She was also very particular about her home and yard and could often be heard giving directions to her brothers, Ed and Ted. Fortunately, Addie was renowned for her excellent cooking - which made her brothers' tasks a little less difficult to bear. Thanks to those neighbours on Athlone Crescent who ensured that their widowed neighbor had help when she needed it. Special thanks also to new family who went out-of-their way to either visit Edna or to help significantly in other ways, especially during the past three years. Finally, Edna's family extends much gratitude to the staff at Middlechurch Home who provided not only excellent care, but care from the heart. Edna is predeceased by her sister, Lillian, and her brother, Ted (Florence). She is survived by her brother, Edmund, who unfailingly looked out for his older sister, and her sister-in-law, Anne, who was always ready with home-made food and other things to make life easier; her sister, Stephanie, who was devoted to Addie throughout her life; her good friend Sophie Studney of Vancouver with whom she shared many happy times; her step-children Bob (Marilyn) and Jackie (Jack); together with many nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. Addie will be remembered by her family for her strong will and independence, her generosity, and a caring and compassionate heart. It was Edna's wish that there be no funeral service. A mass is scheduled in her memory on Saturday, December 15, 2007 at 4:30 p.m. at St. Ann's Roman Catholic Church, 271 Hampton Street, St. James Ph: 888-1935. Private interment for family will take place at a later time. CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 13, 2007