Obituary of Edna May Flavelle

Edna Flavelle, a long time resident of Dawson Creek, B.C. passed away on Sunday, May 29, 2016 in Rotary Manor, Dawson Creek at the age of 88 years. Edna May (nee Norman) Flavelle was born on April 30, 1928 in Peace River, Alberta. She was a wife, mom, grandma, great grandma, great-great grandma, auntie, great auntie, cousin, friend, and co-worker. She was a homemaker, Barbie Doll clothes maker, pastry chef, dancer, hostess, teacher, and cheerleader. Edna was also beside her husband Fred during everything; from his cancer treatments, becoming a deacon, changing careers, open heart surgery, and eventually his final illness. She was his rock for 55 years. Her parents Frank and Anna Norman emigrated from Norway and settled in northern Alberta. Edna grew up on the family farm in Fairview with her six brothers and her one sister. She moved to Edmonton when she was 19 and lived with her brother Neil. There she met a rebel named Fred Flavelle, and fell head over heels in love. They were married in 1948 and settled in Fort St. John. Seven short months later Reginald made his appearance. They had five wonderful children; Reginald, Rodney, Raymond, Cary, and Cathy. Fred was transferred with Loiselle Transport to Dawson Creek in 1968. They purchased the house on 107th Avenue, and lived there until Fred's passing in 2003. Edna was a stay at home mom for most of her kids' lives; she worked at the church hosting teas and events and worked tirelessly for the rummage sales. She was also an active member alongside Fred in the Lions Club. They organized the Kiddie's Parade together for many years. Edna started at Erickson's Furniture Land and worked there for many years. She then worked at the deli in the Dawson Mall. Edna also organized the Heart and Stroke Foundation Big Bike Ride and walking group. Edna had an uncanny sense of aim, from throwing spoons to beating us at Holy Board. She loved to laugh, dance, and sing. She especially loved when her brothers would get out the fiddle, guitars, and banjo and sing. She was always so excited for the Norman family reunions, even when they ended up with floating tents and huge mosquitoes! She was her children's best cheerleader, and always encouraged them to "go for it" with all the things they wanted to try. She loved cheering them on. She always said you only regret the risks you don't take, follow your heart. Edna always wanted the best for them. She gave them their wings to fly, but had a soft place for them to land whenever they needed to come home. Edna loved to write letters and notes; she had the most beautiful handwriting. She took pride and pleasure in writing her Christmas letters. She loved to keep in touch with everyone through her letters. Edna was very fortunate to find love a second time after Fred's passing with Werner Tscheidel. Werner and Edna travelled to concerts, the Hot Springs, and the ice fields. It was nice to see them so in love. They spent many happy years together and took care of each other. He became her world, giving her so many happy times. She was young again with Werner. He made her feel so special, and she loved him dearly. Even as dementia took Edna away from her family in the last few years she continued to have a smile. She moved to Rotary Manor in 2015 and she was so happy there and loved all the people and activities. With her health declining in the past few months, her attitude didn't change and she never complained. Edna and Fred were both loved in their church, their community, and most of all their family. They are together now and can dance, sing, and be silly. Edna was predeceased by her husband Fred of 55 years, her parents Anna and Frank, her brothers Neil, Ivan, Roy, Clarence, Ford, and Jack, her sister Helen, and her daughter-in-law Gayle. Edna is survived by her sons Reg (Kay), Rod (Paulette), and Ray (Lidwina), her daughters Cary (David), and Cathy (Andrew), and her special friend Werner, along with numerous extended family and friends. A Memorial Service was held on Friday, June 10, 2016 at 1:00 PM from Reynars Funeral Chapel. Pauline Haycock officiated. Interment will be held at a later date. For friends so wishing, donations may be made in memory of Edna to the Rotary Manor Resident Council Fund 1121-90 Avenue, Dawson Creek, B.C. V1G 5A3 Very Respectfully Reynars Funeral Home & Crematorium Memorial Service 1:00 pm Friday, June 10, 2016 Reynars Funeral Home and Crematorium 1300 102nd Avenue Dawson Creek, British Columbia, Canada V1G 2C6