Edith Schnell (nee Willford) passed away peacefully in Red Deer, Alberta, on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at

the age of 99 years.

Edith was born in Scobey, Montana, as it was the closest hospital to where they lived near

Coronach, Saskatchewan. During the dry years of the 30’s her family moved to northern Saskatchewan and she was raised there in the Waitville district where she made many friends.

Edith married Harold Schnell on Oct. 24, 1947 in Coronach, Saskatchewan. and life on the farm for Edith

and Harold was not always easy. After years of struggling with repeated crop failures, they

made the difficult decision in 1959 to move their young family to Calgary, Alberta. Together they

built a life rooted in hard work, faith, and devotion to their family.

In 1980, Edith and Harold retired to a small hobby farm near Caroline, Alberta, where they

enjoyed the country life they had always loved. Following Harold’s passing in 1993, Edith

remained on the farm for several years before making her home in Sundre, where she enjoyed

the next 26 years surrounded by family and friends. In 2024, she moved to Red Deer, where

she spent the final chapter of her life.

While these places marked the chapters of Edith’s life, it was the way she lived that made her so

special.

Edith had a gentle, welcoming spirit that made everyone feel at home. Family was the center of

her world. She was known for her kindness, her quiet strength, and her unwavering faith, which

guided her through both life’s joys and its hardships.

Her home was a place where family and friends always felt welcome, and no visit was complete

without good conversation, coffee, and something homemade to enjoy. Her generous nature

never left her. Even in her final weeks, despite having little she could offer, she still wanted to be

sure every visitor was looked after before thinking of herself.

She found joy in life’s simple pleasures—a beautiful flower garden, watching the birds, writing

letters to those she loved, and researching her family’s history. She had a remarkable gift for

preserving connections. Through countless hours spent tracing her family tree and faithfully

corresponding with family and friends, she ensured that stories, memories, and relationships

were never forgotten.

Nothing brought Edith greater joy than spending time with her family. She celebrated their

accomplishments, supported them through life’s challenges, and loved each generation that

followed. Her legacy lives on not only through her family, but also through the values she quietly

demonstrated every day—love, generosity, perseverance, humility, and faith.

Edith is lovingly remembered by her children: Paul (Sherry), Dale (Sandra), Ralph (Shirley),

Terry (Holly), Dianne (Gordon), and Joan; her sister, Berniece, and her brother, Earl; her many

grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces,

nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Harold, in 1993; her dear friend and

companion, Calvin Schnell, in 2003; her son-in-law, Kevin Robinson, in 2024; her great

grandson, Zachary Cardinal, in 2018; her parents; and her brothers and sisters who passed

before her.

Her quiet example of faith, kindness, generosity, and selfless love will remain an inspiration to

all who were blessed to know her.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to celebrate Edith’s life by helping to lighten another

persons load. Whether through a kind word, a helping hand, a visit with someone who is lonely,

or another simple act of kindness, we know this would have brought her great joy. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.heartlandfuneralservices.com. Arrangements in care of Heartland Funeral Services Olds, 5226-46 Street, 403.507.8610.

• Date : 2026-07-10
• Location : Heartland Funeral Services (Olds) www.heartlandfuneralservices.com 403.507.8610