Edith I. Braithwaite
May 18th, 2021
Edith Braithwaite – December 30, 1929 to May 18, 2021
Edith Ingeborg Rodvang was born on a farm near Throne, Alberta on December 30th, 1929. Her early life included the Great Depression, the Second World War, and many long walks to the Throne store with her siblings. The Rodvang family spoke Norwegian at home, so Edith learned English at the local one-room schoolhouse.
After completing grade nine, Edith moved to Central Alberta where she studied home economics at Olds College and worked at the Condensery in Red Deer. While at Olds College, she met her future husband Jim Braithwaite. She and Jim married November 22, 1951.
The 1950’s saw many severe hailstorms, but Edith and Jim persevered to establish a successful mixed farming operation in the Shady Nook District, which they carried on together until Jim’s sudden death in 1983. During these 32 years of marriage, Edith and Jim raised six (pretty ordinary) children.
In addition to working on the farm, Edith took responsibility for feeding the family: raising chickens, managing a large garden, picking berries, cooking, baking, canning, freezing and pickling. Edith was always on the go. Once the needs of her family were met, she turned her energy to helping the community, volunteering for the Shady Nook Hall and the Red Deer Hospital.
After Jim’s death, Edith took a job at The Bay cafeteria where she worked until 1992, retiring to help care for her young grandkids and enjoy some well earned international travel. Edith continued to live on the farm until December 2016 when she moved into a supportive living facility in Red Deer. In her later years (after finally getting a minute to herself) Edith spent her time playing cards, cross-country skiing, gardening, quilting, reading and solving puzzles.
Edith is lovingly remembered as a kind and gentle soul. She had a deep love of nature and animals, and endless tolerance for unruly children. She was distressed by waste and carelessness, and enjoyed nothing more than a visit with family over coffee. Edith’s warmth caused more than one neighbourhood dog to abandon its owner and move in with her. The affection was mutual: one of Edith’s favourite evening activities was to sit on the couch sharing a bowl of popcorn with the family dog. But Edith wasn’t perfect. She had a poor sense of direction. Once after getting lost driving Laurie to a friend’s house, Edith declared “You can’t get there from here” and drove home. At least half of her children share this trait.
Edith’s dream while growing up on the prairies during the Great Depression was to be rich enough to afford to eat an orange every day. Her dream came true.
Edith is lovingly remembered by her sister, Bertha; sister-in-law, Anna; brother-in-law, Ken; children, Dan, Linda (Bob Dick), Laurie (Wayne Cressey), Patricia (Merle Ellsworth), Cliff and Tannis (Scott Nelson); grandchildren, Brett (Charlotte) and Scott (Jodie) Dick, Erin (Mitch) and Joel (Hailey) Cressey; and great grandchildren, Liam Cressey and Everett Dick. She was predeceased by her husband, Jim; her, brother Tommy; her sisters, Anne and Astrid; and her grandson, Nicholas Cressey.
Thank you to Points West Living in Red Deer for providing mom with extraordinary care during the final years of her life.
Messages:
Darwin and I would like to extend our sincere condolences on the loss of Edith. I have many memories of days playing in the yard at the Braithwaite farm when we would be up visiting Grandma and Grandpa Butler. I think the dog mentioned may even have been our dog General! Edith was always kind and welcoming and will be missed by so many. You and all of your family are in our thoughts and prayers. May your precious memories help you through this difficult time.
I’m so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. My condolences to all of the family. She will be remembered as a kind and gentle lady.
Deepest Sympathy to you all . It’s never easy to lose someone you love so much but I have learned through time we always keep them very close in our hearts , your mom grandma and great grandma was an amazing lady !!! She will always be remembered by all of us who had the honour of knowing her. Rest in peace Edith . Hugs thoughts and prayers to you all ❤️❤️❤️
I have so many fond memories of this wonderful lady.
Elmer: I started school with Edith in Throne in 1936, we were in the same grade, I remember her as a very quiet person. I became reacquainted with her when she joined the Laft Hus where my wife Syneva is a member, We shared a some old school memories. We send our sympathies to her family.
To all of the Braithwaites. We are sorry to hear of the passing of Edith. She was a constant friendly person and loved mother. We enjoyed our long acquaintance with her. David and Ria Duplain.
I remember spending all sorts of time on Aunt Edith's farm. She always had cookies and a drink available. That was one of my earliest memories of eating Vinatarta. She made a delicious, moist cake. She was always kind to us. We enjoyed going for a visit. My condolences to everyone who knew her. God bless you all.
Ken and I want to send you our sincere condolences on the loss of your wonderful mother. I share her lack of direction so feel we are somehow kindred spirits. Somehow these stoic farm women were the backbone of all that was "good" and genuine about teaching the next generation ethics and also were true masters at the art of "multi tasking." I love that she was the "neighbourhood dog thief".....it speaks of her kindness and character! We know that even though her quality of life was failing, you will all have a big hole in your hearts. May your wonderful (and humourous) memories bring you all comfort. xo
I have fond memories of visiting Edith at the family home. She was very welcoming, hospitable and witty. She wouldn’t let my husband and I go home without partaking a meal with them. I miss those times with Edith and her family.
I wish my sincere condolences to Edith's immediate family. As her niece, I remember her as a kind and gentle person who loved her family, gardening, farming and other activities. She was an excellent cook and baker. I recall her baked bread which was delicious and much appreciated by those who ate it. She will be missed.
I didn't know Mrs. Braithwaite personally, but I'm familiar with some of her children, especially Dan and I know her by reputation. She was well loved and respected by her community and that speaks volumes. Our condolences to her loved ones.
I met Edith through the Norwegian Laft Hus Society and I have such fond memories of her and great respect. I am so happy to have known this wonderful lady and one of her daughters. I visited Edith on her farm once and saw all her beautiful flowers and garden. My sincere condolences, Julie Macrae
My heartfelt condolences to all of you