The family of Tina Edna Lait sadly announces she passed away on August 12 at the age of 84. Edna is survived by Larry, her husband of 66 years; their four children, Laurie Quist of Red Deer, Ron (Lucy) of Kelowna, Brad (Alison) of Calgary, and Jana (Eric) of Calgary; seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. She was born in Swift Current, Saskatchewan and grew up mostly in Taber, Alberta. She was a third generation Canadian of Mennonite descent. She spoke her first language, Low German, with her parents Agnes Klassen and Abe Friesen and her siblings Jack, John, and Lenora. Edna met Larry in Medicine Hat, and they married when she was 17. Laurie, Ron, and Brad were born by the time Edna was 21. The family moved to Red Deer in 1963 for Larry’s job at the Red Deer Advocate. Jana was born when Edna was 31. Edna worked in banking for much of her career. At 28 years old, she was the manager of Co-op Credit Union that later became Parkland Savings and Credit Union. She worked there and at the Bank of Montreal for many years. She became a pharmacy technician when she was 49 and worked at the Michener Centre pharmacy, where she was a friend to many of the residents. She was a proofreader for the Sylvan Lake News during retirement: she was an exceptional writer despite leaving school in Grade 10. She volunteered throughout her life, including at the Festival of Trees fundraiser for the Red Deer Regional Hospital, the reception desk at the lab in Sylvan Lake, and the Golden Circle Seniors Centre. Edna had a big laugh and had a big heart, especially for people who are often ignored. She showed love by taking care of people, being a good host, and feeding us well. Many family and friends are warmed by the quilts and knitted blankets she made. She and Larry enjoyed square dancing, golf, and travelling to warm climates for the winter. She enjoyed music, books, and gardening, and was a whiz at crosswords until the end. Edna’s faith in Christ was a comfort to her. Thank-you to Dr. Fugler and staff, and the many people from EMS and outpatient and inpatient services who cared for Edna over the years. Your kindness and humour meant so much to her. We are grateful for the excellent end-of-life care she received at Unit 32 at the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre and at Red Deer Hospice. The hospice staff wrapped Edna and our family in care.
If desired, Memorial Donations in Edna’s honor may be made directly to the Red Deer Hospice Society at www.reddeerhospice.com. Cremation entrusted to Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, Red Deer, Alberta. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com

Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium (Red Deer)

6287 – 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.

ONLY LOCALLY FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED FUNERAL HOME/CREMATORIUM

IN THE CITY OF RED DEER

• Date : 2024-08-26
• Location : (Red Deer) Locally Family Owned (Red Deer/Blackfalds/Eckville) www.ParklandFuneralHome.com & (Innisfail/Olds/Didsbury/Sundre) www.HeartlandFuneralServices.com