Edith WADDELL

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WADDELL: Edith Marguerite Waddell. It is with sadness that the family announces the passing of Edith Marguerite Waddell, (nee Wyatt) on March 13, 2012. Edith was born Nov. 18, 1918 at Hamiota Hospital, the elder daughter of Frederick Wyatt and Priscilla Jane (Jennie) Whitelaw. She was raised on a farm north of Decker along with a younger sister Elvaretta, going to Decker School, and completing her Grade 12 at Hamiota. Edith attended Normal School in Brandon for the 1937-38 First Class Session and upon completion, came for an interview at Oldale School south of Newdale, where she was hired for her first teaching job at $500 a year. It was a one room country schoolhouse with 12 pupils in 9 grades. She taught at Oldale until June 1942 at which time she accepted a position in Flin Flon where she taught at both Hapnot and Ross Lake Schools over the next 3 years. Flin Flon was a bustling frontier mining town only accessible by plane, water, or a 24 hour train ride. Wages were good and it was an adventurous time for a young lady. Here she forged many life-long friendships with other teachers. Edith married July 18, 1945 at her parents’ home in Hamiota to Gordon M. Waddell, who predeceased her in 2006. Gordon and Edith traveled extensively throughout their 60 years of marriage, and Edith continued to enjoy holidays with family - most recently celebrating her 91st birthday in Maui. A woman of strong faith, she lived her belief that without love, we are nothing. She was kind and compassionate, often teary-eyed at family events, always thoughtful of others, and was never heard to speak unkindly of anyone. Worldly possessions were of little importance to her. She was trim, energetic, always busy, and gainfully employed. Every grandchild had hand-knitted mittens and sweaters, and hand-quilted baby blankets. She looked forward to the companionship of games and community organizations. She enjoyed playing the piano, square dancing, and loved a game of scrabble, croquet, or lawn-bowling. She was an avid gardener and correspondent with family and friends. She was a member of the Rebekah Lodge in Newdale, a charter member of Newdale Raven’s Glen W.I., Newdale United Church Women, and a life member of the Newdale Horticultural Society. Her greatest wish was to stay in her Newdale home as long as possible, and she continued to live independently there until she was hospitalized in January. We thank those whose care made that possible. Edith was a loyal and loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She was loved dearly and will be missed. She is survived by her children Doug (Connie), Duncan (Audrey), Marj (Blair), Jean (Wendell), and Ken (Joanne), 10 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews. A celebration of her life will be held at Newdale United Church, March 20, 2012 at 2pm. For those so desiring, donations may be made in Edith’s memory to the Newdale United Church Memorial Fund, Newdale, MB, R0J 1J0 or to a charity of ones’ choice. When God made the stars and the sunshine, the rain and the flowers and the trees, he also created a mother, because she was like unto these. Campbell Funeral Home, Hamiota are entrusted with arrangements. (866) 620-2744.

As published in Brandon Sun on Mar 17, 2012