Edna Mary Lemon

Edna passed away peacefully on Wednesday November 30, 2016 with her loving family by her side. Edna died as she lived with grace, dignity and courage. She will be forever missed and cherished always by devoted daughters Hilary Susan and Valerie Anne, son-in laws Ian Jordan and Bob Desmarais, grandchildren Mark Jordan and Pamela Desmarais, sister Rosemary Barker and family friend Charlie Hardy, as well as many relatives and friends. Edna was especially proud of Mark and Pamela whom she adored, “Nan” will hold a special place in their hearts. Edna was predeceased by Denis, her loving husband of almost 65 years in 2013, mother Bertha (Dodds) Lingwood in 1940, father Edward Charles Lingwood in 1958, infant brother Teddy Lingwood in 1918 and eldest brother Clement Henry (Harry) Lingwood in 2003. Edna was born in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom on September 12, 1924. During her early years she played in Windsor Park often crossing paths with Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret with their Nanny! She attended Sir William Perkins's, an independent school for girls in Chertsey, Surrey England where she excelled in field hockey and cricket and proudly won an art award. Edna met co-worker Denis in the drawing office of the Royal Arsenal Woolwich, England in 1947. They married on June 26, 1948 in England. Denis joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 1953 and in 1954 they immigrated to Canada with “baby” Hilary on H.M.S Ascania sailing from Liverpool to Halifax NS. Shortly thereafter they made Victoria BC. their home. Edna loved Victoria and always considered it home despite also living in Ottawa Ont., CFB Borden Ont. and Dartmouth NS. where Valerie was born.

Edna epitomized the virtues of motherhood – being there for others, teaching what is important, passion, mercy and love. We could not have asked for a kinder more caring and supportive Mom. Edna always put her family first. She was the mother everyone loved. Her chocolate cake was especially popular! Sunday evenings were most special when the family gathered for her famous roast beef dinners! She loved animals right from her first job as a veterinary assistant in England. At one time she had seven cats and a rabbit, although she recently insisted proudly that she had 12 cats!

“Dear Mom we miss you more than words can say. Thank you for the values you instilled in us and for your wonderful sense of humor and unwavering support. You never complained or ever let us down. You leave us with no regrets. We love you dearly”

Edna and family extend a heartfelt thank you to the amazing caregivers at Glengarry Hospital Victoria for their compassionate care for the past four years.

Please join us for a celebration of Edna's life on Thursday December 29 at 1 pm. at First Memorial, 1155 Fort St., Victoria. In lieu of flowers donations will be gratefully appreciated in Edna's honor to Broken Promises Animal Rescue, Victoria, BC. www.BrokenPromisesRescue.com

To view a short slide show of Edna's life please visit www.mem.com.