Mrs. Edna Hofer

Surrounded by deep love and caring family, Edna Hofer passed away peacefully in her home on September 8th, 2022 after being diagnosed with brain cancer. Many family and friends will cherish her life’s gifts including her husband John, her precious children James (Kathryn) and Louisa, her stepdaughter Marlene (Tim), and her dear grandson Brady (Christine).She is survived by her siblings Annie, Tom (Barbara), Lena, Rachel, Tabitha (Paul), Joe (Esther), James (Anna), and Rhoda (Dan). She was predeceased by her parents Joseph and Anna, her brother Leonard, and her dear stepson Glen.

Edna was born in Riverdale Hutterite colony on November 24,1953, but spent most of her childhood at Deerboine Colony. Her youth awakened her love of community, long walks, singing, reading, good farm food, and most importantly, her strong faith.

Though most would consider Edna steadfast and shy, she surprised many by leaving the Hutterite community to pursue adventures and bring her love of cooking for large groups to the wilderness. Edna nourished many scientists in isolated communities both at the Experimental Lakes Area and in Northern research camps on Ellesmere Island. She then went on to pursue education at Freeman College in South Dakota where she learned secretarial skills, joined the choir, and toured Europe.

In 1990, she married her husband John and moved to the farm in Sidney Manitoba where her children were born. On the farm in Sidney and later in Brandon, Edna found deep joy in caring for her family, tending to a big garden, and finding beauty in the little things on walks near home.

In 1999, the Hofer family moved to Winnipeg. There, Edna found her work family at Tall Grass Prairie Bread Company - cooking and baking alongside friends and family. Edna hardly missed a day until she was admitted to the hospital this past July. Edna’s genius for flavour and familiarity with Manitoba produce led to countless pots of comforting soup and jars of jam, pickles, salsa (along with anything else one could can). Her love in food form was greatly enjoyed in the Forks market and beyond. During these years Edna also maintained her place as the rock of the Hofer family. She drove many miles between hockey, swimming, and music lessons for all of the kids and never complained – taking joy in providing them a well-rounded life and always finding herself one or two good friends in the stands.

Edna’s warm kindness, wisdom, and splendid one-liners will be greatly missed at many a dinner table and church service. Her life will be fondly held by all that knew her. The wake will be held on Saturday September 10th at 7:00 pm and her funeral will be held on Sunday September 11th at 11:00 am. Both will take place at Klassen Funeral Chapel. The burial will follow the Sunday service with the convoy looking to arrive at the Carberry Cemetery at around 4:00pm. All who loved Edna are welcome.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Anna's Hope - Mennonite Central Committee in honour of Edna.