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Obituary - Edna Deering

Edna Deering

1944 - 2023

Cook Southland Funeral Chapel - Deering(2023)

August 3, 1944 ~ January 16, 2023

It is with heavy hearts the family of Edna Olinda Deering announce her passing on Monday, January 16, 2023, at the age of 78 years. Edna leaves to cherish her memory the love of her life, her husband of almost sixty years, Barry Deering and their only daughter, Tobi (Deering) Kemp, her biggest fan. Edna is also survived by her sister, Vivian (Ron) Grover; sisters-in-law, Bonnie Holt of Edmonton, AB., and Susan Deering of Kamloops, BC, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, George and Martha Sulz and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Herbert and Melba Deering as well as siblings, Doreen Bohnet, Leonard Sulz and Bill Sulz.

Edna was born in Trochu, AB., on August 3, 1944, where she lived with her family until they relocated to Medicine Hat when she was 8 years old. Edna attended Riverside School, Alexandra Junior High School and Medicine Hat High School where she graduated in 1962. Shortly after graduation, Edna started her banking career which would span 37 years. She worked for the Bank of Montreal in both Medicine Hat and briefly in Calgary before finishing her career with Scotiabank upon her retirement in 1999. Edna’s career as a friendly, customer-oriented bank teller experienced a 14 year hiatus from 1977 – 1991, when Edna took on what she viewed as her most loved and most important job, being a full-time Mom to Tobi.

Sport was an important part of Edna’s life, having played fastball from the ages of 12 – 30 with the Medicine Hat Elkettes, before turning in her baseball mitt for a coach’s clipboard at age 30. She coached the Moose Angels for a number of years and then Tobi’s girls’ softball team, also the Angels, before changing her role again to avid fan of the Toronto Blue Jays. At about the same time she put down the softball, Edna picked up a golf club. She enjoyed golfing with friends and family during summer camping excursions as well as with her golfing girls during her retirement. Edna was also an avid flower and vegetable gardener who enjoyed the challenge of figuring out where and how her vegetables would grow best and designing colorful floral displays in her yard. When indoors, Edna could generally be found enjoying a good book.

Edna was a woman of music and faith, and those passions combined in her 39 year career as the choir director at Riverside Presbyterian Church. She was deeply involved in her church community as a Sunday School teacher and member of the Worship Committee, Board of Managers, and the “Church Mice.” Edna ultimately ended her church service career at St. John’s Presbyterian where she served as a Church Elder from 2013 – 2020, when she stepped back due to health constraints.

Edna was beloved by family and friends alike and will be affectionately remembered for her warm smile, her listening ear and her selfless gift of thinking of others before herself. Those wishing to celebrate Edna’s life and bid her a fond farewell are invited to join the family at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 504 - 2 Street S.E., Medicine Hat on Friday, January 20, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Jeff Lackie officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to be directed to St. John’s Presbyterian Church or the Alberta Lung Association.



 

  1. Alma Gutfriend:
    Jan 18, 2023 at 01:21 PM

    So sorry to hear of her passing.

  2. Vic and Debbie Simmons:
    Jan 18, 2023 at 01:48 PM

    To Edna Deering’s family. Please accept our Deepest Sympathy on your loss. Thinking of you with sincere thoughts and prayers. Edna was a Beautiful soul who Vic and I were honored to know. She was so genuinely friendly to our family. We attended Riverside Presbyterian Church for many years and she was always so Welcoming and her lovely smile lit up a room and made people feel so very comfortable in her presence. She will be Deeply missed. Our Most Sincere Condolences. Kind regards, Deb and Vic

  3. Jim & Cheryl Birch:
    Jan 19, 2023 at 08:02 AM

    Our sincere sympathy to Barry and Tobi as we are thinking of you with Edna's passing.
    We met Edna and Barry when our girls, Tobi and Beverly, being the same age, became special school friends at age 9 and still remain so to the present day.
    They shared their love with our daughter Beverly.
    The Deering's were always happy to welcome Beverly to join and share in their baseball , camping, and golfing talents. Edna was a truly loving. caring, and joyful person to everyone.
    A lovely gracious lady!
    With Our Love to you Both,
    Jim & Cheryl Birch
    Sault Ste Marie, Ontario

  4. Terry Cooper:
    Jan 19, 2023 at 09:56 AM

    Barry, I am sorry to hear of Edna's passing. I hope that your many wonderful memories of your life together comfort you during this difficult time. Take care Barry.

  5. June Cox:
    Jan 19, 2023 at 11:06 AM

    My condolences to Barry and family on Edna's passing. I have many fond memories of her at Riverside Church.

  6. Marlene (Dooley) Zachary Lind:
    Jan 19, 2023 at 11:11 AM

    Dear Barry: I’m so sorry to hear of your loss of Edna. I have many wonderful memories of her and Vivian during our young years playing softball with and against each other. Her parents were always very supportive. My greatest memory was the day that Toni was born… you were coaching my son, Terry’s hockey team at a tournament in Taber when Edna went into labor, but as she was taken to Medicine Hat to deliver Tobi, she insisted you not be disturbed until the game was over! The next day of the tournament, you were presented with a baby trophy…we were all so excited! Sincere condolences from sons, Darryl and Terry Zachary and myself🙏

  7. Richard Worden:
    Jan 19, 2023 at 11:51 AM

    Dear Barry, Tobi, Vivian and family;
    My condolence on Edna's passing. While there are many stories about Edna's enthusiasm, I share just one - she was a person who loved to receive and give hugs. "The Song Is Ended but the Melody Lingers on." (Irving Berlin)

  8. Lynda Moller:
    Jan 19, 2023 at 01:40 PM

    Dear Tobi and Barry,
    My friend Georgia introduced your mom to me by way of photos etc. I was so happy that during the past few years she was able to visit ‘outside’. Although I haven’t met Edna in person - I live many miles away - I felt I knew her vicariously. My sincerest condolences on her passing. She will be at rest and always be remembered as one of the kindest souls on earth. With hugs, Lynda

  9. Terry & Linda Lazenby:
    Jan 19, 2023 at 11:18 PM

    There are no words to express the depth of our sadness. We raised our kids together and had so many special times, camping, golfing, fishing and playing silly games. What special times in our lives! The world was such a better place with Edna in it! Our love and heartfelt sympathy to both of you Barry and Tobi. Love always from us ! Terry, Linda, Pat and Trevor.❤️❤️

  10. Merle and Jim Derzaph:
    Jan 20, 2023 at 01:03 AM

    Barry, Tobi and Vivian, We extend our sincere condolences to you for your loss of a beautiful woman-a wife, mother, sister and dear friend to all. I remember working with Edna and her sister Vivian at Bank of Montreal. She was fun, full of positive energy, smart, always willing to help and a beautiful smile that lit up a room. May her memories live in your hearts forever as she watches over all of you from above.

  11. Bob Graham:
    Jan 20, 2023 at 04:33 PM

    Barry and Tobi - I am very sorry to hear of Edna’s death. In my experience, she always acted with true class.

  12. Derek, Nan, Derek, Pamela, Iain Darley and families:
    Jan 20, 2023 at 04:41 PM

    Our thoughts, prayers and love goes to you all. Edna was part of our family for many years at Riverside. Her laughter, compassion for others, ability to teach all of us to sing, and laugh as well as her heart of gold. From the kids at Sunday school, to the church choir, and church get togethers, we all hold fond memories of Edna and our Church family. Edna always reached out to those in need. May God's strength and the memories comfort you all during this time.

  13. Michael Stol:
    Jan 21, 2023 at 01:30 PM

    Barry, Tobi, Vivian, Ron and family,
    I am saddened to hear of Edna's death. I have wonderful and vivid memories of her involvement in virtually every aspect of ministry at Riverside Presbyterian. I have many fond memories of sitting at her dining room table drinking tea and choosing worship music for weeks ahead - talks that inevitably turned to many other topics. Whatever needed to be done Edna would be there to contribute what was needed. Whether it was her work as choir director or Sunday School teacher or Board Member, Edna gave it her undivided attention. I will always remember sitting in my office and hearing her laughter fill the building as she met with others. Be at peace, good and faithful servant!

  14. Melissa Cotten-Young:
    Jan 21, 2023 at 02:39 PM

    My deepest sympathies to Edna’s family. I didn’t not know her well but she was always so kind. My thoughts are with you all.

  15. Darlene Beck:
    Jan 21, 2023 at 05:39 PM

    Sincere Condolences to Barry, Tobi, Vivian & families.
    So Sorry for your loss, she will be sadly missed by many.
    I have very fond memories of Edna.
    She was the person that trained me on my 1st job at Bank of Montreal in 1967.
    And I believe it was in Feb 1977, she trained me, once again, in lending at 7St Branch when her baby was soon to be born. I never did get my full time in training with her because baby - whose name became Tobi - decided she wanted to come early.
    I saw Edna numerous years ago when out & about & she had not changed. Still the bubbly, friendly individual that I knew as a co-worker. I've been happy to have a little contact the last few years with her sister, Vivian, who also worked at the Bank.
    Edna's memories will live on for many.

  16. Gordon Family:
    Jan 22, 2023 at 08:52 AM

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Edna was a very wonderful loving lady. We are so sorry for your loss.

  17. Pat Lazenby:
    Jan 22, 2023 at 03:20 PM

    Dear Barry and Tobi,

    I was very saddened to hear about the recent passing of Edna. Upon hearing the news, I recalled the wonderful times we spent together as a family, during my youth. Whether it was while camping, golfing or celebrating special moments, I'll never forget her contagious laughter, kindness and love that she always shared with everyone around her. Although
    I missed her beautiful service, I wanted you to know that our thoughts are with both of you, and your family.

    Love,
    Pat, Karen and Family

  18. Leahann And Gordon Rawleigh:
    Jan 22, 2023 at 11:20 PM

    Sending our deepest sympathy to you Barry, Tobi, and Family. Edna’s smile 😊 and positive attitude were just two of the many things that we admired about her. I was fortunate to have Edna by my side with a very challenging work place transition, her calming demeanour and vast knowledge helped us all get through it. She had that way about her, a truly caring and giving person. Years later we were fortunate enough to meet up again on a personal level and then met Barry and Tobi. The time together visiting with you all will be cherished forever. Edna and I picked up like we had never been apart, truly a rare life connection.
    Rest easy dear Edna , until we all meet again , sending healing wishes 🙏🙏 to you at this very sad and difficult time

  19. Natalie & Brent Sauer:
    Jan 23, 2023 at 06:42 PM

    Tobi, we share our condolences with you. Your Mom was such a lovely person and her smile and energy brought out the best in everyone. You too have these gifts.
    We are thinking about you and your Dad.
    Brent, Natalie, Jaclyn, Jen & Jerrid

  20. Cheryl Wolfer:
    Jan 23, 2023 at 10:47 PM

    I’m so sorry to hear of Edna’s passing. She worked with my mom at the Scotia Bank. She was such a sweet lady. Condolences to Edna’s family. 😢😢 RIP Edna 🙏🙏

  21. Sherry Wasdal (nee Hein):
    Apr 19, 2023 at 05:39 PM

    Mr. Deering and family,
    I'm terribly sorry to read of your loss. My sympathies for the passing of your best friend. It's sounds as though she had an extraordinary life and lived well. My thoughts go out to you.
    --Sherry Hein

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