Obituary of Edith Riddell

RIDDELL, Edith " Passed away February 22nd, 2008 at Regina, Saskatchewan, in her 92nd year. Born in Donovan, Saskatchewan November 29, 1915, Edith was the eldest of seven children born to Mildred Shannon and Howard Keeler who homesteaded there in 1905. She began high school when she was 11 and graduated with a Degree in Household Sciences from the University of Saskatchewan in 1935 at the age of 19. A very remarkable achievement for any girl at that time and an early indication of the strong and determined person she lived to be all her life. After practicing as a dietician at the Saskatoon Sanatorium from 1936 to 1940 she moved to Donovan where she married Howard Riddell who was municipal secretary for the Rural Municipality. Edith and Howard had two daughters, Jean and Joyce, who according to her own recollection were exactly what she wanted. Her sons-in-law were perfect in her eyes except they couldnt play bridge. Often appearing as a person of few words, she could always be recognized by her hearty laughter. Edith loved much and felt deeply. She will be remembered as the one who was really the heart of her family and who always knew how to bring peace and calm to a pretty high strung bunch. After moving from Vanscoy with Howard, Edith lived the last 45 years happily in Regina. She spent practically all her summer vacations with the family in Waskesiu which everyone loved. An active member of Lakeview United Church, Edith was a woman of faith and read the bible almost daily. She will be dearly missed and most fondly remembered. Predeceased by her husband Howard (1991), her brother Bob, and sisters Jean and Beulah, Edith is survived by her daughters, Jean (Ron Wilke), Yellow Grass, SK, Joyce (Bill Maes), Halifax, NS; her grandchildren, Shannon (Todd Maliteare) and Brad Wilke (Katie Bishop) and Alex and Geoff Maes; her great-grandchild, Everett Wilke; her brothers, Earl Keeler (Joan), Raye (Iris); sister Donna; her brother-in-law, Walter Bentley; and sister-in-law, Doris Keeler. A memorial service and celebration of her life will be conducted by the Rev. David Eskdale at Lakeview United Church, 3200 McCallum Avenue, Regina, SK at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, February 28th, 2008. Interment will occur at a later date. An online book of condolences may be signed at www.speersfuneralchapel.com