Edith Kolababa

Edith passed on Sunday, February 26, 2023, with family at her side.

Edith is survived by her daughter Shannon (Rob) and children Kendi (Ken), Tyler (Ricki), and Darbi (Brett). Son Tim and children Dustyn (Kristy), Morgan (Chris), and Madison (John). Son Brad (Liz) & children Jayleigh and Travis. Daughter Jodie (Barry) and daughter Hillarie. Daughter Lorrie (Mike) & children Braydon and Shandra. Plus, 14 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Edith is predeceased by her husband, John, who passed on December 7, 2006.

Edith was born to Regina and Jack McLaughlin on December 2, 1932, in McCreary, Manitoba.

She was one of 13 children. She often told stories of her childhood—the struggles of coming from a humble beginning, the joy of so many siblings in a 2-bedroom home, and being able to see the stars at night through the roof. Edith's upbringing clearly made her the genuine, loving, kind, beautiful, and nurturing person she became.

Edith left home in her late teens to move to Winnipeg. It was here she met the love of her life, Johnny. They married on January 1, 1955. After a few moves around the prairies and five children later, they settled in Saskatoon. It was here Edie decided to operate a daycare within their home, as all her kids were in school. She loved the children she cared for, and lifelong friendships developed with these families.

Edie and Johnny loved to travel. They would frequently camp in the summer and travel to other provinces with the kids for summer vacation. Edie often packed up the kids at a moment's notice when Johnny came home from work on a Friday and suggested they go to her hometown for the weekend. They both loved to spend time with their siblings and many friends. Edie and Johnny were country music lovers, prompting them to take a motorhome trip down to Nashville, TN, with friends. This was one of the best trips they ever took; the memories were precious, and the stories endless.

When the nest was almost empty, Edie and Johnny moved to Kelowna. It was there they opened a small new and used store. They hosted many relatives and friends that would travel to vacation there. Their door was always open, and all were welcome. A few years later, they returned to Saskatoon, then Brandon, and finally back to Saskatchewan, where they bought a home in Hanley.

On December 7, 2006, Edie lost her one and only, Johnny. Edie moved to Saskatoon and became an independent woman for the first time in 74 years.

Edie's love for gardening took her outdoors all summer as she tended to her beautiful array of flowers. She made new friendships, travelled, and never missed an opportunity to spend time with her family.

Edie had 14 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. She never forgot a birthday and would call to sing Happy Birthday in the sweetest voice. Edie always put her family first. Her unconditional love and respectful, generous, selfless, angelic character will be sorely missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

Peacefully, at her home on Sunday, February 26, Edie was reunited with Johnny.

From her family:

Mom,

Words are not enough to truly express our gratitude for the unconditional love, faith,

devotion, and support you gave each of us all of our lives.

While our hearts are broken, we are grateful God carried you home to end your pain.

You will be forever in our hearts, loved always and never forgotten.

“She’s a sparrow when she’s broken,

But she’s an eagle when she flies.”

You truly were an Eagle when you flew.

Edie's wish was to be cremated, and she did not want a service. The family will host a Celebration of Life on Saturday April 8, 2023, and will contact family and friends with details.

Arrangements entrusted to Travis Minor.