Obituary of Doreen Fay Edmunds

1929-2023

Fay, beloved wife of Roger Edmunds, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 10, 2023, in Calgary, AB at the age of 94 years.

Born October 11, 1929, in Lloydminster, Saskatchewan, to Edith (nee Haight) and James Hamilton, Fay was the fourth child. She had two sisters Pat (Mrs. Frank Bowery) and Betty (Mrs. Lloyd Crossman), brother Gordon (Margaret Jean nee King). 

Raised in Lloydminster until age 13, Fay was involved in track and field and many other sports. During the Second World War her father was transferred to Saskatoon where her family rented a house across the back lane from the home of the family of her future husband. After high school graduation, she trained as a registered nurse at St. Paul’s hospital in Saskatoon. Fay graduated in 1951 and became assistant supervisor on the surgery floor at St. Paul’s.

In May 1952 in Saskatoon, Fay married Roger Edmunds and they were married for 71 years. She was a devoted mother to four children, David (Karen Schilling), Pat (Taras Hladyboroda), Beth (Rob Pinckston) and Neil. 

Having married a professional geologist, Fay learned to make many places home for her growing family. She made homes for them in Regina, Houston (Texas), Edmonton and the Hague (Netherlands), before finally settling in Calgary in 1969. Fay remained an avid sportswoman all her life as a curler and golfer. She is fondly remembered for knitting many fabulous sweaters for her children and grandchildren as well as for being a keen contract bridge player.

Fay and Roger travelled throughout much of world on cruises and excursions – including a trip to China. In addition, they built a house on the Shuswap and spent many summers there with their children, friends, and family. Fay was an accomplished chef – well known for her delicious cherry pies that she made from the cherry trees at Shuswap – she took great pride in preparing wonderful meals for her family and friends.

Besides her husband, Fay is also survived by three of her children; eight grandchildren, Alyssa (Paul Dudek), Sean, Kyra, Michael, Leslie (Layne Mathiason), Scott, Chris and Eric; great-grandchild Halle; two nieces, Pam Bowery and Ruth Hamilton; two nephews, Barry Crossman and Grant Hamilton; six grandnieces and grandnephews; as well as ten great-grandnieces and great-grandnephews. She was predeceased by her parents, her three siblings and her son, Neil Roger Edmunds (1957-2013), as well as her niece Gayle Hamilton (Terry McCoy).

The family will hold a private family memorial service. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Fay’s family here.

In living memory of Doreen Fay Edmunds, a tree will be planted at Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.