Obituary - Edith Clay

Mrs. Edith May Clay passed away on January 30th, 2008 in the arms of her daughter, Sharon. Edith was born on March 11, 1910, and lived her 97 years in Medicine Hat. She was the eldest of the six children of Maude and Ernest Townsend, and was predeceased by her five siblings, Arthur, Stanley and Lawrence Townsend, Evelyn Fabian and Irene Wing; her sisters-in-law, Helen Townsend, Ella Clay and Marjorie Clay; her brothers-in-law, Woodrow Wing, Cyril Clay and Reginald Clay and nephews, Terry Townsend and Newton Cowan. She is survived by two sisters-in-law, Mary Townsend and Eleanor Townsend as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. Edith considered herself the "matriarch" of her family, and truly enjoyed any family gatherings. She will be forever and greatly missed by her only daughter, Sharon Clay. Edith married the love of her life, Earle Clay, on January 30, 1942. She passed away on what would have been their 66th anniversary. Their 18 short years together were the happiest of her life. They enjoyed archery, hiking, camping and photography. Earle passed away on July 14, 1960, leaving Edith and Sharon to continue on together. Edith dedicated her life to helping Sharon achieve her goals. She returned to work at Eaton's, followed by ten years at Oliver's Dry Goods. Although Edith left school at 15 to care for her own mother, she never lost her desire to learn. She was always asking questions and wanted to know "all the details". When she totally lost her eyesight, listening to stories on tape or CD and listening to Sharon read the NEWS each day, kept her mind active. She also required detailed descriptions of any concert, play, trip or activity in which Sharon was involved. Edith was very devoted to Westminster United Church, and for many years was an active member of the UCW. When her health began to fail, Edith moved into Riverview Care Centre in November of 2003, where she received loving care from the dedicated staff. Edith was a special lady who will be fondly remembered by all who knew her. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 - 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Sunday, February 3, 2008, between 1:00 P.M. and 3:00 P.M. Relatives attending the Private Graveside Service are invited to gather at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel on Monday, February 4, 2008, at 9:30 A.M. Everyone is invited to join in a celebration of Edith's life at Westminster United Church, 101 - 6 Street S.E., Medicine Hat on Monday, February 4, 2008, at 11:00 A.M. with Gary W. Goran officiating. Donations in memory of Edith Clay may be made to the SPCA, 55 Southwest Drive S.W., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 8E8; the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, 102, 520 - 2 Street S.E., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 0C6, or to Westminster United Church, 101 - 6 Street S.E., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 1G7.