1933 – 2022
Mrs. Edna Doris Schaefer passed away with her son, Brent, and her daughter, Amy by her side, at the Sunset Manor, Innisfail, Alberta on Monday, January 10, 2022 at the age of 89 years.
Edna was born in Dodsland, Saskatchewan on January 8, 1933, and was raised in Coleville, Saskatchewan. As a child, she followed in the footsteps of her parents and learned the meaning of fellowship within your community and church. She was up early to help her father collect milk cans; and then helped him with janitorial duties after she was done school. She attended school in Coleville and then the University of Calgary, where she obtained her Teaching Certificate. With her Teaching Certificate in hand, she made the move to Alberta, and found herself far from family. It was at this time, when she was teaching at Kevisville and Markerville, that she found her Alberta family, the Albert Johannson family of Markerville. She formed a special bond with her chosen sisters, Marge (Art) McAllister and Marie (Ken) Sveinson that has been passed on to the next generation.
Edna went back to Coleville, taught for several years, and took a business course. Then she returned to Alberta, where she was a Medical Records Librarian at the Red Deer Hospital. The call to teach came back and she was soon employed at Spruce View. Through her Alberta family, she met a young, widowed father, Robert “Bob” Schaefer, and they were married on June 29, 1963. She continued teaching in Bowden; as they farmed together east of Bowden until the birth of their children. In April of 1967, they added a son, Brent, to their blended family and in February 1969 a daughter, Amy, was born. Edna was active for many years in the United Church, playing piano for Sunday services, weddings, and funerals. She was also President of the UCW for fifty years and made many lasting friendships through her faith.
She and Bob enjoyed the music and friendship of the Foothills Centennial Fiddlers, which they were a part of for many years. Edna took great pleasure in her garden and looked forward to the bloom of her peonies every summer, as well as the great Viking potatoe harvest in the fall. The birth of her grandchildren brought her great delight and, ever the teacher, she taught them to respect nature and treat pets with great care. Their memories of the farm are filled with warmth, laughter, and always, good food.
Edna is survived by her son, Brent (Roberta) of Okotoks, her daughter, Amy (Kevin) Ouderkirk of Onoway, her stepson, Brian of Innisfail, her three grandchildren, Olivia Schaefer, Sydney (Chris) Ouderkirk, Zane (Stephanie) Ouderkirk, Olivia’s mother, Whitney Dunham, and many very special nieces and nephews.
Edna was predeceased by her husband, Bob, her father and mother, Ross and Lillian Farris, and her siblings, Earl, Lois and Jack. Edna’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at the Country Lodge and Sunset Manor who took such wonderful care of our “teacher”.
No funeral service will be held at this time, but a Memorial Tea will be held later when people can safely assemble. If desired, Memorial Donations in Edna’s honor may be made directly to the Bowden United Church, Box 222, Bowden, Alberta, T0M 0K0.
And now, as mom would often say, “All is well”.
Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.heartlandfuneralservices.com. Arrangements in care of:Heartland Funeral Services Ltd. 4415 – 49 Street, Innisfail, Alberta. Phone: 403.227.0006 Fax: 403.227.6437
