Edna Marie (Slumskie) Craighead

CRAIGHEAD, Edna Marie

It is with extremely heavy hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of Edna on Sunday, November 12, 2023.  Edna was 102 years young.  Perhaps it was her positive outlook on life, her love of socializing with people, and her amazing sense of humour that helped her reach this milestone.

Larry (Lawrence/Lorne), her husband of 62 years (deceased 2007), is welcoming her with open arms and saying “Eddie, what took you so long?”

Edna was the best mother ever to her children Larry (Penny), Ron (Maureen), and Donna (Jim Bested); proud grandmother of Mark (Kristal), Kelley (Mike Givlin), Evan (Nisha), Erin (Mark Burger), Jennifer Pellerin and Stephanie Bested (Rob); and very engaged great grandma of Lochlan, Nolan, Grady, Ivy, Quinn, Ainsley, Cole, Reid and Hunter.

Edna was born in Sullivan Township (Desboro, Peabody area) on November 5, 1921.  She was the daughter of Herman and Mary Slumskie, sister of Jean (Loowies deHaas), Lyla (Carl Stoddart) and Clayton (Lenore).

 At 15, Edna left the farm and moved to Toronto where she worked as a domestic, and at Exide Battery.  She attended business college and taught at the college.  Edna moved to Campbellford where she worked in the woollen mill.  This is when Larry and Edna’s love story began.  In later years, Edna thoroughly enjoyed working as a secretary for the Peterborough County Board of Education at Keene, David Fife and Woodview schools.

Edna and Larry lived in Toronto, raising their family.  Years later they decided to move to the outskirts of Peterborough near Mark S. Burnham Provincial Park.  A few years later they built their forever home in the woods outside of Keene.  Oh, what a view!

Edna had a very special and loving relationship with her sister-in-law Kathleen (Kay) Frederick, and with her amazing friend Trudy Lum.  Katie (cat) was her loving companion, frequently showing her affection through “love nips”.   Edna thoroughly enjoyed the visits from Shelley, Roger, Zac and Lauren Newton, and from her nephew Wayne (Terri) Stoddart.

Edna’s family wishes to extend a very sincere thank you to all of her PSWs for their love and care; to the agencies that provided the PSW support; to the HISH team for allowing mom to stay in her home; to those in the paramedicine program; to the outstanding and compassionate ER and palliative staff at PRHC; to the amazing management, staff and residents of Sherbrooke Heights Retirement Residence who gave Edna a wonderful home, genuinely cared for her and provided friendship; and to Jennifer for making everything happen so that grandma could fulfill her wishes to live at home.  All of you were instrumental in supporting Edna in recent years and you truly became a part of our family through the roles you played. Thanks also to friends who have shown their love and support to Edna’s family. 

Friends will be received at the HIGHLAND PARK FUNERAL CENTRE 2510 Bensfort Rd., Peterborough on Friday, November 24, 2023 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. A Celebration of Life will follow at 11:30 a.m.  Following a luncheon at Highland Park Reception Centre, burial will take place at the Upper Keene Cemetery. Oh, what a view!

In memory of Edna donations to the Canadian Cancer Society or the War Amps, or a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.  Online Condolences maybe made at www.highlandparkfuneralcentre.com