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EDITH BESANT
Born: Apr 07, 1928
Date of Passing: May 26, 2021
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or Memory
EDITH BESANT
April 7, 1928 - May 26, 2021
She is survived by her loving husband of 68 years, Donald; her children, Carol Brisebois, Brenda Besant-Thompson (Brian), Stephen (Joanne) and Timothy (Teresa); her grandchildren, Benjamin, Justine (Shawn), Gabriel, Brandon, Matthew, Christopher; and great-granddaughter Elodie; her stepgrand- children, Kristy (Damien), Kristjan (Alexandra), Holly (Steven); and stepgreat-grandchildren, Leah, Brett, Allison and Nolan; sisters-in-law, Geraldine Prouten (Frank), Jean Besant, brothers-in-law, Robert Besant (Joyce), David Besant; many dear nieces and nephews; and special lifelong friends, Wanda, Muriel and Velda. Edith was predeceased by her infant son Kenneth; parents, Johannes and Emma; siblings, Adolf, Mary, Ernst, Anna, Hulda, Bertha, Rosaline, Alice, Martha, John and Mina.
Edith was the last surviving member of 75 Ammeters who immigrated to Canada from Karabulach, Georgia in 1929 and settled in Starbuck, Manitoba. She was an honours student who attended school in Starbuck and then graduated from the Grace Hospital School of Nursing, Class of 1950. Her career as a Registered Nurse ranged from obstetrics to geriatrics, and included working with the Victorian Order of Nurses, the University Hospital of Chicago and hospitals in Winnipeg.
Edith was a big supporter of the arts. She and Donald subscribed to the Manitoba Opera, Manitoba Theatre Centre and Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra for over 40 years. Tennis, golf, and cross-country skiing were outdoor activities she shared with Donald. Edith was an avid reader from an early age. She enjoyed hosting family gatherings and prepared hearty meals where there were always extra mouths to feed.
Edith was a devout member of Faith Lutheran Church and a kind and gentle soul who often opened her home to provide shelter for those in need. She was a loving wife to Donald and deeply devoted to her children and grandchildren. She enriched the lives of many.
Edith enjoyed summers spent with family at Lake of the Woods and camping trips across Canada and the U.S. She loved her travels to Europe, Hawaii, Costa Rica, Cuba, Mexico, Iceland, and the Holy Land. The trip to her family's homestead in Isenfluh, Switzerland was very meaningful to her.
The family would like to thank Pastor Chris Bishopp, Dr. Vivian Gerges, Sophie and Sean from St. Boniface General Hospital Palliative Care program and the many home care workers.
If friends desire, donations can be made to Faith Lutheran Church, 1311 Dakota Street or "The Tomorrow Fund" (Dr. Donald and Edith Besant Fund) in care of the United Way of Winnipeg.
A private family interment has taken place, and a Celebration of Life in honour of Edith will be held at a later date.
Stitalee, as she was affectionately referred
to by family, will be dearly missed.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 05, 2021
Condolences & Memories (6 entries)
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My deepest sympathy to the entire Besant family on your loss. I loved their life story and have tried to communicate the most recent article that was published to a number of friends about the $5 on how the lovely couple first met. Edith and Donald are great role models for all of us, which my friends Steve and Joanne do a great job of emulating. - Posted by: Jame Holland (Friend of Family) on: Jul 07, 2021
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Edith was a delightfully pleasant person. To me, she was the kindest, most gentle soul. She made everyone feel welcome and loved. I am so lucky to have known her. - Posted by: Emma Trachsel Hogg (cousin) on: Jun 11, 2021
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My deepest condolences to Donald and their children on the passing of his wife and their mother. Edith was a kind and gentle woman who was devoted to her family. - Posted by: Cheryl Simmonds (Former partner of her husband Donald Besant) on: Jun 10, 2021
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I didn’t have the pleasure of meeting this lovely lady, but Dr. Besant was my son's pediatrician. He was the very best doctor and so kind and gentle with his patients. I also knew Alice Besant, who married our uncle Rex Lester and lived next door to our home in Victoria Beach. Lovely lady. I would like to pass on my sincere condolences to Dr Besant and family. - Posted by: Nancy Lou Ateah (Friend of family) on: Jun 07, 2021
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How blessed I feel to have known such an amazing woman and to have had many visits with her over the years. Our conversations were always amazing about family and her journeys and memories that she shared. Love her and will miss her. Special condolences to Brenda and Brian who brought her to our salon and deepest sympathies to her very large family. She was truly an inspiration. ❤️🙏 - Posted by: Gwen Voroney (Friend/her hairstylist ) on: Jun 05, 2021
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Thinking of you and your time of sorrow she was a great lady and will be missed sincerely Jane Vandal🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💐💐💐💐 - Posted by: Jane Vandal (Former church family) on: Jun 05, 2021