Minnie Edith Jensen

It is with heavy hearts that we must announce the passing of our mom, Edith Jensen on February 16, 2016. We extend our gratitude for the kindness expressed by the physician and nurses in the Emergency department at Royal Inland Hospital.

Edith was predeceased by her husband, David Charles Edwards; her mother and father Eddie Jensen and Matilda McDonald; brothers Doug and Harold (Sonny), sisters Florence, Rose and Marlene and her son Ernie Edwards. She leaves behind her siblings Marg, Ken (Annette) and Pete (Joanne); children Teresa (Ron) Christian, Tim (Bernice) Jensen, Janet Edwards and Don Edwards; grandchildren Katrina, Pierce, Emily, Brittany, Jewel, Timara, Tim Jr., Danika, Tyler, Tyrone, Josh and numerous nieces and nephews.

Born and raised in Kamloops, mom started her family at Heffley Lake, BC before moving to Adam’s River where they welcomed their last baby, Don who was delivered by her all-time favourite doctor, Dr. Vagyi. Mom spent many years raising her children and in the early 1980’s she started full time as a Long-term Care Aid at Overlander Extended Care Hospital in Kamloops where she worked until she retired in 2003 at the age of 65 years. She thoroughly enjoyed her work and made many lifelong friends there. In the 1980’s mom, along with Mildred Gottfriedson, made traditional crafts such as tanning hides and beading for the BC Native Women’s Society.

Mom did it all – she hunted, fished, picked berries, canned, cooked, gardened and read many books. She loved to watch game shows and soap operas with her sister Marg, go to the casino and read the tabloids. One of the things she was especially good at was knitting. She not only knit beautiful socks, sweaters and blankets, she also knit together her family’s hearts. Family was very important to her and she kept tabs on everybody and helped everybody. She was truly the leader of the family who worked tirelessly making sure everyone was taken care of. She impacted many lives by her actions. She was a role model for hard work, resilience and perseverance. She will be forever missed but she can rest now.

A special thank you to the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc band for their assistance during this difficult time and to family and friends for their support. We are grateful.

Kukstemc to our leaders/teachers, pallbearers, fire keepers, food organizers, spiritual leaders and pitch top carvers. Kukstemc to those who take initiative and forward themselves so family can keep taking one foot forward. Kukstemc from the bottom of our hearts.

The wake will begin Thursday, February 18, 2016 at 115 Kootenay Lane. The service will be held on Saturday, February 20, 2016 at 11:00 am at the St. Joseph’s Church. All are welcome to join the family for a feast at Moccasin Square Gardens following the service.