Edith Fletcher

Edith Kay Fletcher (Pirie) was born in Carragana Saskatchewan February 21st, 1936 to Bertha and Bob Pirie. She was the 4th child of 10. They lived in the Swampy Lake school district. At the age of 16 she started working away from home. She babysat and did housekeeping for several different families. At one of those places, she candled and graded eggs. She was very proud of that job.

She married Keith Fletcher on October 19,1957 on the farm of Keith’s parents. After they were married they moved onto Keith’s farm where they have resided for over 65 years. To this union 5 children were born.

Edith enjoyed her gardening and her flowers. She was always complemented on her cooking. She made amazing pies. Right up to her final years you would find her in the kitchen preserving garden produce and fruit. Especially canning marrow for Keith. If anyone ever stopped by you would be fed before you could continue on your way.

Edith enjoyed curling for many years with family and friends. Many trophies are still proudly displayed in her home. Knitting was a necessity when she was younger, although she thoroughly enjoyed knitting for her grandchildren and many nieces and nephews in her later years. She had a large doll collection that she enjoyed. One of her prize possessions was her Montreal Expo baseball that rolled down to her feet at a game in Montreal. Other things she enjoyed were, watching wildlife, walking, visiting with family and friends, playing cards, attending dances and taking pictures.

She was a long-standing member of the Manchester Community Club. Before the oldest boys started school, they spent a few winters working for Keith’s parents logging company. Years later she spent 12 years as the cook for Fletchers logging during the winter, which kept her very busy. Four of the oldest grandchildren spent time with them in the bush camp.

Edith enjoyed travelling with family and friends. They bought a motor home to drive to Alaska which turned into a Hanson Lake camping trip with Melissa and Ryan. They finally went on a cruise to Alaska with Donald and Betty several years ago. They also got to visit Deanna and family in North Carolina a number of times.

The last 21 months of Edith’s life were spent in the Kelvindell Lodge. Where she was treated with respect, compassion, and dignity. For this the family is thankful for.

Her biggest joys were her family and friends visiting at the farm. Especially her brothers from BC when they would arrive unexpectedly and be tapping on her kitchen window. This was a regular occurrence and she loved it. If any of you have stopped at the farm when you entered the wind chimes in the doorway would ring announcing your arrival. She put these up when the boys were teenagers to keep track of there going’s and comings. They still ring today as a welcome.

Edith is survived by her husband Keith; her children Donald (Betty), Clifford (Cindy, Lyle (Andrea), Deanna, and Susan; grandchildren Steven (Brooke), Melissa, Ryan (Lisa), Jessica (Joel), Tyler (Dana), Brendan, Logan, Chase and Brianna; great grandchildren Elsa, Presley, Levi, Blake, and Emmett; sister Carol Wheelans; sister-in-law Margaret Pirie; brothers-in-law Robert (Jewel) and Wayne (Violet); and numerous nieces and nephews