Edna Gertrude (Barry) Thornton

   Edna was the last remaining child of six, predeceased by her parents Mary Rose Ella (Keats) and Robert Barry, her 3 elder brothers Gerald, Robert, Edwin and 2 sisters Pauli and younger Rita. Sadly, son Gary passed in 2010. She is survived by George, her husband of 73 years. Her remaining children are George (Lil) of Kamloops, Lee-Anne (Peter) of Calgary and Stephen of Blairmore. She and husband George have ten grandchildren and ten great grandchildren who were Edna’s delight. Life revolved around their family who have lived in Canada, the UK, Sweden and Hungary.

   Edna’s mother was a pianist/organist and schoolteacher from Nova Scotia. Her father raised teams of horses and later worked for the ETS. Edna’s first years on a farm in Legal were highlights much shared with family. A good student, Edna became a teacher.  At 19 years, she taught in a one room schoolhouse in Sedalia, Alberta. Managing Grades 1-9 in a wood/coal heated building, was an adventure. Here she met George who was farming. The young couple married in 1952 and started life in Edmonton.

   Edna and George raised 4 children (1953-1959). Both George, 35 years as an Edmonton Firefighter and Edna teaching (especially Grade 1) would balance work with family needs. Losing both sets of parents very young, Edna and George relied on sister Rita and brother Bill for family support. The children raised with their cousins became a close unit.

   Edna’s children have valued hard work and education. Summers were filled with camping trips and a hobby farm in the Glendon area. Fishing and hot dog roasts were favorites.

   After retirement, the couple continued to travel, first camping across Canada, West to East Coast and as far South as the Gulf Coast of Mexico. Further holidays included Mexico, Hawaii and Cuba.

   Retirement brought Edna and George to Vernon, BC and then Blairmore, Crowsnest Pass where they have lived for the past 32 years. The beauty of the mountains and the joy of rock gardening filled happy hours for Edna. She quilted, embroidered, crocheted, knitted, walked and read many books. Delicious cooking was a way of life.

   Edna passed quickly and peacefully managing at home with husband George and Steve until her last week. We are grateful to the Crowsnest Medical team for excellent care.

   Edna will be dearly missed for her smile, caring ways, quick wit and sense of humor. She is now with beloved family in heaven. Have a well-deserved rest. God Bless you.

Grandma You have loved me since I was born

Grandma I have loved you my entire life (author unknown)

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations will be gratefully accepted by

the Crowsnest Pass Food Bank (PO Box 675 Blairmore, AB T0K 0E0).

Fantin's Funeral Chapel entrusted with the arrangements. (403) 562-8555

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