1937 – 2022
It is with heavy hearts that the family of Edith Hansen announces her unexpected but peaceful passing on Friday, February 11, 2022 at the Red Deer Regional Hospital at the age of 84 years.
Edith will be lovingly remembered by her husband of almost 69 years, Gunnar Hansen of Innisfail; her children, Dwayne (Maryann) Hansen of Red Deer, Charlotte (Jim) MacKinnon of Innisfail and Pat Wiun of Red Deer; her grandchildren, Stephanie (Peter James) Hansen, Riley Hansen, Josh (Kyle Ross) MacKinnon, Katie MacKinnon, Ryan (Jamie) Wiun and Kyle Wiun, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents; her brother, Ted and her beloved son-in-law, John Wiun.
Emily “Edith” was born in Caroline, Alberta to Maurice “Shorty” and Nellie Carter on September 1, 1937. She attended school, participated in sports, worked at the Caroline Hotel Restaurant, Kanten Groceries and remained in the Caroline community until her marriage to Gunnar Hansen on September 4, 1953 at the age 16 years. She became part of the large Hansen family and she and Gunnar started their lifelong journey together. They lived in various communities where they both worked and saved until they could afford to purchase land in the Spruce View District and began farming. They worked together as a team breaking land, milking cows, raising cattle and pigs, planting and growing what was needed to feed their fast-growing family and livestock. Dwayne was born in 1955, Charlotte in 1959 and Pat in 1963. Edith and Gunnar were indeed community builders, volunteering when they could, attended all the sports activities of their children and community activities with friends and family. She was able to balance her responsibly of farming, keeping a household, raising her children even taking in foster children in need as well as working outside the home with casual employment. She taught her children to have the same work ethic as herself. In the early 1990’s Edith and Gunnar retired to Innisfail where they continued their community involvement. She baked and crafted for many years, she and Charlotte have been familiar faces at the Farmers Markets in the area until her death. Edith was fiercely loyal and very protective of her family. Edith and Gunnar held friendships with other couples that have lasted more than 60 years. She was an unselfish and humble woman and hated to have her picture taken or to be the centre of attention. We will all miss her deeply.
If friends so desire memorial donations can be made directly to the STARS Air Rescue, https://stars.ca/ways-to-donate/ab/, in Edith’s name.
There will a family gathering held and she will be placed in the Columbarium Niche in the Innisfail Cemetery. There will be an opportunity to view a Video Tribute of Edith and to leave condolences by visiting www.wilsonsfuneralchapel.ca
