Edith Mae Newman (nee Scott) passed away peacefully on Saturday, Aug. 20, 2016 at the grand age of 101.
She was born on May 31, 1915 in Toronto, Ont. to the late Walter and Mae Scott.
She grew up in the Beaches area, on Greenwood Avenue across from the Greenwood Brickyard. She attended Duke of Connaught Elementary School and Riverdale High School.
After graduating from high school, she worked as an office clerk for Eaton’s in the flagship store on Yonge Street in Toronto.
On Aug. 15, 1941, Edith was married to S.R. LeRoy Newman. After WWII, they moved to Fort Frances, Ont., where LeRoy had been hired as a high school teacher.
They were socially active in the community, and were blessed with many long-standing and enduring friendships. One of their favourite activities was playing Bridge, and they hosted many Bridge parties in their home.
When not entertaining, Edith and LeRoy planned many summer “adventures” and travelled the world together by car, train, plane, and ship. Edith had an astonishing memory for detail and fondly remembered street names, hotel names, people, attractions and landmarks of their many destinations.
Edith was active in, and a dedicated supporter of, many community service organizations. She was a life-long member of the Knox United Church of Canada, as well as the United Church Women, where she served as president for a number of years.
She especially enjoyed the activities of the local Horticultural Society and had a great appreciation for plants and flowers.
She will be missed by her close friends in the “Group of Seven or Sew” craft circle and her many companions in the Eastern Star, the Shriners Ladies Auxiliary, the Retired Teachers Association, the Friends of the Museum, and the Friends of the Library.
Edith will be sadly missed by her many nieces and nephews who survive her, Lynn (Don) Wilton, Paul (Mary Jean) Scott, Wendy Devine, Susan Scott, Jamie (Glenda) Scott, Sandra Bell, John Newman, Alyce Newman, Wayne (Diane) Newman, Gary (Ruth) Newman, Sterling Newman, Lynn (Ted) Bannon, and Bill (Margaret) Newman.
Also surviving are several great- and great-great nieces and nephew.
Her close friends, Alan, Marie, Kayla, Michael, Kali, Aria, Ryan, and Shawn Brady, will miss her smiling blue eyes, her inquisitiveness and keen observations, and her spirited conversations, but mostly her determination and perseverance in maintaining her independence beyond her 100th birthday.
Edith was predeceased by her parents, Walter and Mae Scott; husband, LeRoy; beloved brother, Harold Scott; and sister-in-law, Marie Scott.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2016 at 2:30 p.m. at Green Funeral Home, with Rev. Barbara Miller officiating, followed by a time of fellowship.
The pallbearers will be Don Wilton, Don Bodnarchuk, and Alan, Michael, Ryan, and Shawn Brady.
The honourary pallbearers will be all of her long-time friends.
Interment will take place at the Fort Frances Cemetery at a later date.
In memoriam donations may be made to the Knox United Church Renewal Fund or a charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be offered at www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com
EDITH MAE NEWMAN
