Newman, Edna Faye (nee Barr) August 27, 1939 – November 8, 2021
At the time of her choosing and surrounded by her loving family, Edna passed in faith from this world to the next at the Lake of the Woods District Hospital.
Edna is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, Berkeley, her two sons, Scott (Linda) of Kenora, Michael (Linda) of Thunder Bay and her beloved grandchildren Kara, Erik and Savanna. She is also survived by her sister Cathy (Frank) Farmer of Richmond Virginia, nieces Deborah, Melissa and Kerry.
She was predeceased by her infant son Andrew, her parents Kerchner and Marion, father and mother-in-law Ernest and Lillian, her brother-in-law and sister-in-law Winton and Betty, and nephews Matthew and Lance Newman.
Edna was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The family moved to Baltimore where she graduated high school and entered into the nursing program at Union Memorial Hospital. It was as a student nurse that she met a young Canadian dentist in the operating room. She caught his attention as she inadvertently disconnected the main power source and plunged the O.R. into darkness. She completed her training and achieved her RN in 1960 and married Berk in June of 1961. He whisked her off to Kenora and to a new life in Canada. She embraced Kenora and quickly made friends.
Brought up Lutheran, she took instruction in the Anglican Church and was a loyal and active member all her years in Kenora. She was a staunch member of the Altar Guild for over 50 years, a long-time member of the Friday Sewing Group (although she was quick to declare it was the social interaction that she enjoyed most and not her sewing skills). She was diligent in assisting at the many activities of the church women. She was also very involved in Kinettes and a member of the Hospital Auxiliary. One of her cherished memories of volunteering was the time she spent as a Speech Assistant at the Lake of the Woods Child Development Centre. She was a hard worker in all her endeavours and her sense of humour and outgoing personality endeared her to everyone with whom she connected.
Travel delighted her, and with Berk she managed to travel to Scotland, England, Europe, Hawaii and on cruises. She took up golf both in Kenora and in Florida and skiing as the boys became involved in the sport.
She loved Florida and she and Berk spent 10 wonderful winters in Lehigh Acres golfing and acquiring many new friends. Of course Edna was delighted to experience the joys of Disney World with her sons when they were younger and later with two of her grandchildren. The last few years had been difficult due to a myriad of health issues and then the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer was devastating. She faced it with courage.
A Service of thanksgiving for the life and witness of Edna Faye Newman will be held at St. Alban’s Cathedral on Friday, November 12, 2021 at 11:00am with Reverend Marion Jackson officiating. Interment will be held at a later date.
“I will go and live wherever you live. Your people will be my people, and your God my God. I will die where you die and will be buried there.” Book of Ruth 1-16
The family would like to thank Dr. Brad Kyle, Char and the palliative team at the Lake of the Woods District Hospital.
Flowers are gratefully declined, but if friends so desire donations to St. Alban’s Cathedral or a charity of choice would be appreciated.
As Covid protocols are still in effect, masks are required and social distancing will be observed during the service.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com for the Newman family.