Obituary of Edwena Holland

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” And so it was that in the late evening of March 7th, 2024 , Edwena Shirley Holland, wife of the late Hartley R Holland, supported by her family and care giver, finished life’s course and went home to be with her Lord and Saviour. Born on March 30th , 1927, Edwena was the first born to Violet (McCoy) and Harry Foster. Married to the love of her life, Edwena and Hartley enjoyed over '74 years of marriage’, and for a great majority of those years were blessed with wonderful health and much happiness.

Edwena is survived by her daughters, Dianne McCallum, Gail (Robin) Rickard, daughters-in-law Bonni Holland, Wendy Holland, brothers Paul Canney, John Canney, George Canney, James Canney, Ronald Canney, grandchildren Christopher McCallum, Jenny Stymiest, Tammy Jensen, Peter Holland, Trisha Comeau, Scott Holland, Michael Holland, and Kimberley Strowbridge, and several great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Like any family, Hartley and Edwena shared times of great joy and times of deep sorrow. In addition to her parents, Edwena was predeceased by her husband Hartley, sons Fred and Richard, son-in-law Dwight McCallum, her grandson Timothy Rickard, her stepfather Paul Canney, siblings William Foster, Susan Beyer, Betty Nichols, William Canney and Eric Canney.

Edwena worked for many years with the support services teams at the Victoria Public Hospital and the Doctor Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital prior to her retirement in 1993. Although Edwena enjoyed the simple things in life, her greatest accomplishment was that of being a devoted wife, a wonderful mother, grandmother, and a friend to many. Edwena loved to spend time reminiscing about the ‘good old days’ and enjoyed countless hours in conversations with family and friends in the warmth and comfort of her ‘beloved sunroom.’ Edwena, by virtue of her age, was the oldest living member of the Corbett Avenue Wesleyan Church.

 Finally, there are no words that can begin to express our heartful appreciation to Edwena’s care givers, Edna Pollock, and Gloria MacDougall. Our family will be forever indebted to you for your many acts of kindness and for the care and compassion you showed to Edwena over the past several years.

In keeping with Edwena’s wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral service. Family and close friends will gather for a private graveside service later in the spring. For those who wish and in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.