Obituary of Edna Irene KENNY (nee Lynn)

June 22, 1922 – Stettler, Alberta
December 8, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

After a long and well lived life, Edna passed away peacefully at the age of 98.

Edna’s parents moved to Alberta from Kansas, USA in 1919 to acquire land to farm. All of the children were born and raised in Alberta. Around 1940, Edna’s father became ill and decided to move the family back to Kansas to be close to his extended family.  Edna, just 18 years of age, and her older sister, Fern, decided to remain and make their own way in the world. And that they did.

Edna married her husband, Jack, who was then in the RCMP in Ponoka, in 1951. They had 68 wonderful years together and 4 children before Jack passed away earlier this year.

Edna always wanted to go to University but Jack’s many transfers with the RCMP made that difficult. Finally, they landed in Calgary, and once all of the children were in school full time, she embarked on a path relatively unusual for the time, obtaining a degree at the University of Calgary. The family recalls Edna being their usual efficient mom during the day and then working into the wee hours of the morning doing school work once everyone went to bed.

Edna eventually earned 2 degrees – one in education after which she taught English for a number of years and then later, an economics degree which landed her a position as a technical editor in the oil industry. As editor-in-chief of the Kenny household, there was rarely a term paper prepared by any of her children or grandchildren that did not get a final edit by Edna.

Edna had a quiet yet strong and determined manner. She read voraciously, was always up on current events, and had an inquisitive mind. She was the perfect complement to her outgoing husband, Jack. Together they were involved in many liberal campaigns over the years at the grassroots level, committed to the notion that participation in political affairs could effect change from within. 

Edna is survived by her children, Colleen (Bob), Richard (Brenda), David (Mariella), Lindsay (Greg); her grandsons, Derrick and Cameron; and her youngest sister, Audria Fox in Michigan. She was predeceased by her husband, Jack, as well as her siblings, Bernard, Fern, Alta, and George.

A private family gathering will be held at a later date. Please keep your loved ones close (virtually or otherwise) during these times.   Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Edna’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

Special thanks go out to the staff, especially on the 3rd floor, at the Manor Village -Varsity, for taking such good care of Mom over the last year.

In living memory of Edna Kenny, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot, 82 CROWFOOT CIRCLE NW, CALGARY, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.