EDITH JEAN ARASON (AVERY)

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EDITH JEAN ARASON (AVERY) January 8, 1922 - May 28, 2014 Edith passed away peacefully with her children by her side at the Misericordia Interim Personal Care Home. She lived a long and wonderful life, the majority of it spent with her husband Skapti (Skip) on the Arason family farm at Glenboro. Skip predeceased her in November, 2011 in their 67th year of marriage and she missed him greatly. She was also predeceased by her parents, Alan and Marjorie Avery and her sister Kathleen Lamb. Edith leaves to mourn her son Greg (Margie) Arason of Winnipeg, MB, daughters Eileen (Daryl) Beamish of Brandon, MB, Nancy Arason (Ray Dudar) of Winnipeg, MB, grandchildren Colin and Cade (May) Arason, Carrie (Mike) Styczen, Cathi (Kent) Tilley, Jeremy (Megan) Thornborough, great-grandchildren Ava, Hayden and Xavier Arason, Matthew and Lauren Styczen, Brady and Jane Thornborough, her sister Joan Powers of Wawanesa, as well as numerous relatives and friends. Edith was born in Austin, MB and at an early age, the family moved to Nesbitt where she grew up in their home attached to the Avery's general store. She left home to attend secretarial college at 16 and that led to employment with the Manitoba government and then the British Army Offices in Detroit, MI during the Second World War. During this time, she lived in Windsor, commuting daily to Detroit. While she was in Windsor, Flying Officer Skip Arason from Glenboro, MB, stopped there on the way home from his RCAF posting in England to ask Edith to marry him. She immediately said "yes" and they were married on May 23, 1945 and had over 66 wonderful years together. Following their marriage, they moved onto the Arason family farm. Edith embraced the farming life with hard work and enthusiasm. Their children grew up on the farm and the kids had the best of both worlds - living and working on the farm with their parents and being driven to town for music lessons, sports practices and games, church, school activities, 4-H or simply visiting relatives and friends. Edith was active in the community, supporting church, hospital and community activities and was a dedicated bridge player in a group that played together for well over 50 years. She and Skip loved to dance, both square dancing and beautiful, slow waltzes where they would glide smoothly over the floor together. After her children left home, Edith returned to the work force as secretary to the school superintendent of the Tiger Hills School Division. In 1983, Skip and Edith sold the farm and moved to their new home in Glenboro, made from blueprints Skip designed, to begin a new life together in retirement. They now had the time to travel, golf, ski and visit their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In 2010, due to declining health, they sold their home in Glenboro and moved to Winnipeg. But wherever they lived, their hearts were still on the farm where they began their life together. For the past seven months, Edith has been cared for by the compassionate and dedicated staff on the 6th floor of the interim care facility at the Misericordia Health Centre. The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff for being there for her during a very difficult time. We know she appreciated their kindness and affection. Edith showed nothing but a beautiful, welcoming smile with nary a complaint throughout what became more and more challenging times. Her courage was an inspiration and a lesson in fortitude. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and a loyal friend. She was a quiet, gentle woman, proud of her family and always wanted to look her best. She loved bright colours and her wardrobe reflected that. The past few years without Skip have been very hard for her. After a long and busy life, she is now at peace. We will miss her greatly, but take comfort at the thought that she is now with her beloved Skip. At Edith's request, no formal service will be held. A private family interment in the Glenboro Cemetery will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Skapti Arason Pioneer Spirit Award, c/o the Glenboro Foundation, Box 147, Glenboro, MB. R0K 0X0. On line condolences can be made by visiting www.willmorchapel.com. Jamieson's Funeral Services of Glenboro in care of arrangements. 1-204-827-2480.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 31, 2014