Obituary of Edna Marjorie Wise

 

April 11, 1926 – Meerut, UP, India

October 3, 2022 – Calgary, Alberta, Canada

 

Edna Wise, of Calgary, AB, passed away in the compassionate care of the Sky Pointe Hospice on Monday, October 3, 2022, at the age of 96 years.

 

A life well lived.

 

Edna was born in Meerut, India, on April 11, 1926, second child to Laura Beatrice and Benjamin Stephen Chase. Edna’s formative years at Church of England boarding schools in Mussoorie, the foothills of the Himalayas, were where the seeds of lifelong learning and altruism germinated. 

 

Vivacious and talented, Edna played the piano by ear in a band initially set up by the Chase family. Edna had a beautiful voice which was well-complimented. Her musical talents brought her immense joy all her life as she entertained friends and family with tunes of yesteryear.

 

In 1956, after studying the Bible with a missionary couple, Jean and Steve Smith, Edna was baptised as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

 

In the late 50’s, Edna spent a few years in postwar Ipswich in Suffolk, England.  Reuniting with her mother and seven stepbrothers and sisters with whom she established a long-lasting bond. However, life in England did not appeal. She returned to India sailing around the Cape when she fortuitously met Noel, who was returning to India from Kneller Hall, The Royal Military School of Music.

 

Married life in Bombay revolved around her family and establishing an outstanding secretarial career working for Fibreglass Pilkington.

 

Edna’s glowing tributes from colleagues in India and Canada speak less of her professional proficiency than her compassionate, caring nature peppered with good humour and quick wit that diffused many a tense situation!

 

Edna, Noel, and their daughters Sandra and Lynda immigrated to Canada in 1980.  At age 55, Edna found continuous work in the oil & gas industry where she quickly adapted to the world of computers and kept pace with changing technology twenty years on; retiring at 75!

 

Edna worked hard to establish a good life in Canada and enjoyed her home and garden in Acadia for nearly 40 years.  As an integral part of the Windsor Park congregation Edna fostered long-lasting friendships, including with those she faithfully called on for many years with their copies of the Watchtower and Awake magazines. 

 

Latterly, Edna adjusted to the pleasant surrounds of the senior’s community at Aspen Lodge, where her gregarious personality endeared her to the wonderful management and staff, and many fellow residents whom she got to know on a first name-basis.  Edna was particularly noted for her elegantly color-coordinated outfits, complementing jewellery and her signature hairbands!

 

Edna was treasured by her spiritual family in the Highland Park congregation.  Her cheerful presence on Zoom during the COVID lockdown of two years buoyed everyone’s spirits with her being the first to log on and the last to exit!  Edna’s forthright, to-the-point answers at the meetings left no doubt that she spoke from a heart of conviction and love.  She was most grateful for the help she received to accomplish her ministry as her health deteriorated.

 

Late into her 90’s Edna kept mentally active by watching the news and current affairs programs. Always at the ready with a funny quip, she would pull out a joke from a stash she kept in every jacket pocket!

 

Edna generously shared whatever little she had to make the lives of others better.

 

A people person to the very end, Edna expressed her thanks to the caring doctors, nurses, and aides at the Foothills Hospital as she reminisced of the many family & friends in India, Canada, Australia, and UK who over the years completed her life by taking the time to visit and have meaningful conversations with her.

 

Edna held firm to the happy prospect of again seeing loved ones already asleep in death when they return in the earthly resurrection; and us left behind, who still have time to make a good name with God: Ecclesiastes 12:13,14.

 

Edna’s parting words were, “Thank you. It was lovely knowing you all. We will be together soon. Bye-bye”

 

Edna was cherished by her children Brian in Australia (Elaine), Sandra (Michael) and Lynda, as well as grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family. She is predeceased by her husband of 59 years, Noel Wise; her four-year-old son Robin, her sister Mavis and brother Carlton. 

 

Since it was Edna’s wish to forgo a memorial service and in lieu of cards or flowers, her family would very much appreciate being able to view your condolences, memories, and photos shared here.

 

In living memory of Edna Wise, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Eastside, 5388 Memorial Drive NE, Calgary, AB T2A 3V9, Telephone: 403-248-8585.