EDNA EWEN

Elmera Edna Ewen (Wood) passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014 at the age of 83 at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre in Thunder Bay, Ont.
Edna was born in 1930 in Blue Township (Sleeman), Ont. to Joe and Katie (Marchuk) Wood.
The eldest of nine children, growing up on the family farm, she often would be caring for her younger siblings and cooking meals for family and farm hands during busy times.
In 1947, Edna married Bill Ewen and they took over the family farm from her parents. The family farm was where they started their family and raised most of their eight children before moving to Dryden, Ont. in 1963.
Edna and Bill were active members of the Royal Canadian Legion and were devoted volunteers at the Loyal Order of the Moose, where she obtained the title of Senior Regent.
She and Bill were responsible for the building and running of the lounge at their local chapter. During the first few years of its operation, Edna volunteered her time as the only bartender and cook until it was successful enough to hire full-time staff.
Edna enjoyed many different sports and games, excelling at every one. She played ladies’ softball for many years, enjoyed curling, and was a champion five-pin bowler, winning many titles and representing Ontario at the world championships in 1977.
When first introduced to darts, Edna became a top player within her first year of picking up the game and went on to win many tournaments in Northwestern Ontario.
Edna took pride in the food that she prepared. She always had a large, well-tended garden that frequently was raided by neighbourhood children and her grandchildren.
Her canned vegetables, fruit, and pickles were a staple on many family members’ and friends’ tables. She catered for her daughters’ weddings, as well as New Year’s Eve parties for the Moose Hall.
She was well-known in the area for her food and willingly shared her recipes with anyone who asked. Her home always was open and often shared with many nieces and nephews over the years.
She also enjoyed camping, fishing, and hunting, and spent many summer weekends at Amesdale with family and friends. She was able to spend a weekend once again at Amesdale in 2012 and reunited with some old friends.
After suffering from a stroke in 1992, Edna moved in with her daughter’s family (Arlette, Len, Natalie, Chantelle, and Dustin Carrier) and had been living with them ever since.
Once recovered, Edna resumed bowling, as well as knitting sweaters for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Every child was welcomed with a homemade blanket from Gramma that soon became their favourite.
Edna was predeceased by her parents and infant brother, Russell; husband, Bill Ewen (1996); son-in-law, Len Carrier (1997); daughter, Connie Prater (2005); sister, Arlene Jowett (2007); brother, Arnie (Frank) Wood (2010); great-granddaughter Kaydence (2011); and great-great-grandson Mayson (2012).
Edna will be remembered by her children, Elden (Norma) of Balmertown, Ont., Lillian Medwechuk of Fort Frances, Ont., Anolda Wells (Ron) of Winnipeg, Man., Glen (Louise) of Dryden, Ont., Wayne (Carrie) of Dryden, Ont., Louise Haukeness of Thunder Bay, Ont., and Arlette Carrier (George) of Thunder Bay, Ont.; 24 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.
She also will be missed by her brothers, Melvin Wood of Atikokan, Ont., Richard (Mavis) Wood of Winnipeg, Man., and Carl (Bonnie) Wood of Dryden, Ont.; sisters, Maxine Elliot (Cecil) of Fort Frances, Ont. and Margaret Bogacki (Ed) of Fort Frances, Ont.; sister-in-law, Ruth Wood of Iroquois, Ont.; special cousin, Edith Richert of Fort Frances, Ont.; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, Feb. 22, 2014 at 1 p.m. in the First United Church in Dryden, with Fr. Dick Kennedy officiating.
Interment of ashes will be at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, in memoriam donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.