1942 ~ Edna Violet Brace (nee Rudrum) ~ 2026 "The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Red Deer Hospice for the compassionate care and comfort they provided to Edna during her final days. Edna will be laid to rest alongside her husband Bert in East Tuddenham church in England at a later date. With every cup of tea or gin and tonic Mom (Nan) will be lovingly remembered. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Edna’s honour to the Red Deer Hospice at https://reddeerhospice.com/donate/"

On Friday, August 21, 2026, Edna Violet Brace (nee Rudrum) passed away at the Red Deer Hospice lovingly surrounded by family. Edna was born on Tuesday, March 24, 1942, in Great Cressingham, Norfolk, England, to Victor and Violet (nee Matthews) Tolman. She was one of eight children: Fred (Nancy), Margaret (Dennis), Brenda (Michael), David (Tina), Daphne (Andy), Heather (Tony), and Robert “Bob” Tolman. Edna grew up in Saham Toney, Norfolk, England. After leaving school, she worked on a large family estate and various factories where she developed her exceptional seamstress skills. During this time, she met Bert Rudrum at a dance. When Bert returned to Canada in search of work, their long-distance romance began. Knowing Edna was the one, Bert mailed her an engagement ring, and Edna happily replied, “Yes”. Bert returned to England, and they were married on December 28, 1964. In April 1965, they immigrated to Canada aboard the Empress of England, arriving in Montreal before travelling by train to Regina, Saskatchewan, where they made their home.

Edna quickly found work as a seamstress while Bert worked as a welder. Their son, John, was born on April 27, 1970. Edna also spent over 20 years working for Zellers where she made many special friends. Over the years, the family made many trips to England to visit relatives and to Hamilton to spend time with Auntie Sylvia and Uncle Stu. They also enjoyed camping and hosting visiting family from England over the years, including, Brenda and Michael; Ray, Jean and Karen; Daphne and Andy; David, Tina and Heather.

In 1990, while visiting England, Bert passed away. Despite this profound loss, Edna continued to dedicate herself to her family. John was always his parents’ pride and joy, and they loved supporting him in all of his activities, especially high school football and later his graduation from pharmacy school. In April 1994, John married Leanne, and Edna’s sister Margaret travelled from England to celebrate the occasion.

Edna’s greatest pride and joy were her two grandchildren, Alexis and Andrew. She was an extraordinary Nan who cherished every moment spent with them. She was their biggest cheerleader, enthusiastically supporting them at hockey games, basketball tournaments, dance recitals, numerous musical performances on both Violin and French Horn and countless other activities. A devoted fan of the Red Deer Royals, she even travelled with the band to the United Kingdom and Ireland in 2019. Family vacations created many treasured memories, including camping trips, visits to Disneyland and Las Vegas, and a special Christmas celebration in Puerto Vallarta in 2025.

Edna was immensely proud of her grandchildren’s accomplishments. She was able to celebrate Alexis’s graduation from the University of Alberta in June with a Bachelor of Music degree and looked forward to her continued studies in Education. She also celebrated Andrew’s Grade 12 graduation and was excited to see him pursue his dream of becoming a pilot through the Bachelor of Science in Aviation program at the University of Waterloo.

Edna was predeceased by her parents, Violet and Victor; her husband, Bert; her brother, “Bob”; and her sisters, Margaret and Daphne.

She leaves to cherish her memory her son, John; daughter-in-law, Leanne; granddaughter, Alexis; and grandson, Andrew. She is also lovingly remembered by her brother, Fred and Nancy and their family; her sister, Brenda and Michael; her brother, David and Tina and their family; her sister, Heather and Tony and family; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends in both Canada and the United Kingdom.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Red Deer Hospice for the compassionate care and comfort they provided to Edna during her final days. Edna will be laid to rest alongside her husband Bert in East Tuddenham church in England at a later date. With every cup of tea or gin and tonic Mom (Nan) will be lovingly remembered. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Edna’s honour to the Red Deer Hospice at https://reddeerhospice.com/donate/

“The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” Psalm 34:18

Cremations entrusted to Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium (Red Deer). Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com.