Edith WILLIAMSON

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WILLIAMSON: Edith Mabel McPhail was born on June 30, 1927 in the Delta District south of Belmont. She was the fourth child, a second daughter to William and Laura (Kerr) McPhail. She passed away following a brief illness at Victoria, B.C. on October 10, 2014, at the age of eighty-seven years. Ede took her schooling in Belmont and in 1944, Ede was Dr. Duxbury’s receptionist at Killarney and from there went to Winnipeg to the Grace Hospital where she worked as a Nurses’ Aide. She returned to Belmont, and was employed by Harrison’s Groceteria when it opened. Contrary to her saying that she would never marry a farmer, Ede married Murray Williamson of Belmont and with Murray lived on the farm in the Alma District for sixty years. She was a busy farm wife raising four children and helping Murray in keeping the farm going. She again joined the workforce at Pelican Lake Training Centre and later at Baldur Hospital until she retired in 1992. Ede was a dedicated member of the Order of the Eastern Star for over fifty years, worked hard for the ALS Society, and many other community and social groups. She loved parties – especially birthdays and Red Hat functions. She and Murray spent many hours playing 500, cribbage and whist in many surrounding communities, as well as down at the lake with friends and family. She loved to travel and made many trips to the East and West Coasts, U.S. and overseas as well. Her first love was her family; husband Murray, children Sharon, Vernon (Valerie) and family, Muriel, Blaine (Wendy) and step-daughter Dorothy and family. Grandchildren were very special to her and they include Derek and Don (Melanie) Kate and Ryliegh Schmidt, Andrew (Jennifer), Kayleigh and Addison Boake, Heather (Travis) Teagan, and Bayley Creasy and Trevor Boake. She was predeceased by her parents, brothers John, Roy and Jim and sister Beatrice, Brothers in law Ivan Wanless and Gord Carnahan as well as son-in-law Jack Boake and stepson-in-law Bill Enns. She is survived by sister Jean Wanless, sisters-in-law Beryl McPhail, Marjorie McPhail and Marilyn Kittle as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Ede and Murray’s cabin at Strathcona Park was a happy place for many friends and family to gather for countless campfires, parties and lots of visiting for over 50 years. Ede had many interests including gardening, quilting, knitting to name a few. She was never scared to try something new, and usually mastered anything she attempted to do. At age 80 she started painting and created many beautiful pictures for family to treasure. Ede and Murray recently went on a trip to Vancouver Island. Little did we know that this would be Ede’s last trip. They spent a glorious and fun-filled week with Ede’s cousins, Sharon and Derek of Salt Spring Island, as well as many other relatives. The pictures that were taken showed Ede was very relaxed and at ease there and these images will be treasured forever. A celebration of Ede’s life was held at Belmont United Church on October 18, 2014 with Rev. Larry McPhail (Ede’s nephew) presiding. Interment was at the Hillside Cemetery in Belmont. Urnbearer was Don Schmidt. The family would like to convey their most heartfelt thanks for all the support they have received at this time. Online condolences may be made at www.willmorchapel.comJamieson’s Funeral Service of Glenboro, MB in care of arrangements. (204)827-2480.

As published in Brandon Sun on Nov 01, 2014