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Edie McConnell

January 1, 2013

September 22, 1918 - January 1, 2013

On January 1, 2013, Edie passed on peacefully in her sleep surrounded by family. She will be dearly missed by daughter, Colleen McConnell of Victoria, BC and son, John McConnell of Wetaskiwin, AB and their spouses; her grandchildren, Shane, Corinna Mary and spouses, plus 5 great-grandchildren, as well as step-grandchildren, Nick and Misha, their spouses and 3 children.

Predeceased by 10 siblings, she is mourned by brother, Len Rattai and sister, Annie Gilmour of Calgary and many nieces and nephews. A much loved Mother, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother, Sister, Aunt and Friend, Edie is remembered for her generous heart and her love of home, garden and music. Her eternal courage, optimism and openness to the challenges life presented are an example few could match.

Born on a homestead farm in Mannville, Alberta, she developed a strong work ethic in a life fraught with many challenges but always preferred to give rather than receive and never complained, even in her last painful year. She retired at 72 and moved at age 80 from Edmonton to Summergate Village in Sidney, BC and in her later years she enjoyed much happiness.

Love, kindness, generosity, courage, creativity and honesty are a just few words that define Edie. She loved family, friends, strangers and animals unconditionally and her acts of kindness extended to many, putting others before herself. She had the courage to fight the battles before her and for others and would never back down in the face of adversity.

Right to the end, her music entertained all and her exceptionally beautiful flower garden gave her and others great happiness. In her last years, she enjoyed the company of fellow musicians as she played her self-taught accordion, violin and harmonicas with the Sidney Acoustic Jam Group, Victoria Bluegrass Jammers, the Victoria Fiddle Club, and the Victoria Accordion Club. She played music regularly with beloved son-in-law David and during her last 15 months they entertained the residents and staff at Mt. Tolmie Hospital, where she endeared herself to many and is known for greeting others with “I love you.”

Ninety-four years of love, laughter, helping, caring, sharing, going the extra mile, of making life better for others. Words fail to express her good deeds and love and time will not diminish them. Fond memories of her are left for us to celebrate.


Celebration of Life will be held at Salishan Hall, 2045 Summergate Boulevard, Sidney, BC at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 20th. Condolences may be offered to the family at McCall’s of Victoria. (1-800-870-4210) www.mccallbros.com