Obituary of Edna Francoeur

Edna Florence Francoeur of Camrose passed away on Thursday, July 25, 2013 at the age of 91 years. She is survived by her children Maurice (Gloria) of Camrose, Dan (Eleanor) of Ahwanhe, California, Rob (Lynda) of Kelowna, B.C., Don (Brenda) of Edmonton, Denise Powell of Nepean, Ontario, Barbara (Real) La France of Edmonton; son-in-law Drew Ludington of Vancouver Island, B.C.; 17 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; 2 great great-grandchildren. Edna is also survived by sisters Berdie Fowler of Camrose, Doris (Tom) Campbell of Daysland. Edna was predeceased by her husband Louis, parents Lester and Lillian Anderson, one son Kenneth; and daughter Lois Ludington. Edna was born on Nov 24, 1921 on her parent's farm near Bittern Lake. She attended a multi-grade school in Bittern Lake until grade nine. She then boarded at Camrose Lutheran College where she completed high school and trained as a bookkeeper. Upon graduation she worked at the Red and White Grocery store as a bookkeeper. She married Louis Francoeur on Dec. 25, 1941; yes, Christmas Day, during a short leave from the air force. Edna was a very busy stay at home mom from 1943 until child number eight was in school 21 years later. Besides raising eight children she found time to be active in the Royal Canadian Legion, the Catholic Women's League and the Order of the Royal Purple. She also enjoyed bridge club. When youngest son Don started school, Edna began keeping the books for the family business, Alberta Machinery, first with husband Louis and brother-in-law Paul, then sons Maurice and Rob. In 1985 the business accounting became computerized and Edna chose to retired at age 64, partly to avoid the computer. However, Edna became addicted to several hand held computer games and wore them out all the while complaining of sore thumbs. Edna liked to travel and went on many extended winter vacations until approximately 1997 when Louis became ill. Edna's quiet time passion was crossword puzzles; she did them in newspapers and books and wore the pages out of several dictionaries. Edna was known to give herself tirelessly to her family, friends and her favorite organizations. She remained active in her community particularly within the Royal Purple where she held several executive offices. The generosity of her time extended to driving herself and friends to events and appointments. I'll bet she is using her new wings to get others around paradise right now. Edna avoided recognition and being the recipient of kindness or gifts seemed to cause her embarrassment. She gave her love and it was multiplied and returned by all who were part of her world. She often chuckled as she told others, "It is more blessed to give than to lend and it amounts to the same in the end". A prayer vigil was held on Sunday, July 28, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. from the Burgar Memorial Chapel. A Mass of the Resurrection was held on Monday, July 29, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. from St. Francis Xavier Church with Rev. Larry Pederson as celebrant. Memorial donations are gratefully accepted to the Elks Purple Cross Fund, or St. Mary's Hospital Palliative Care, or to a charity of one's choice.