Edna Naomi Rogers

ROGERS, Edna Naomi (nee Ableman)
October 14, 1918 (Crossfield) ~ February 17, 2016 (Calgary)

With heavy hearts the family of Edna Rogers announce her passing on Wednesday, February 17, 2016 at the age of 97 while at the Sarcee Hospice.  Edna was born to Lee and Anna Ableman on the farm near Crossfield, AB.

She will be sadly missed by her two sons, Earle (Mary Ann), Ross (Brenda); her daughter, Terri (Dave); and her grandchildren, Christy, Murray, Jen (Vaughn) and Jeff (Regan). Edna was also an important part of her step family and will be missed by her daughters, Pat (Alex), Donna (Lyle); son, Bob (Joan); and her grandchildren, Darcy (Jacki), Kelly (Dewey), Brad (Tracey) Kim (Sean), Lisa, Janna (Martin) Andrea (Mike) and Kristen; nineteen great grandchildren; and will be fondly remembered by Kim (John). Edna was predeceased by her husband, Doug Robinson (Nanaimo); and by her second husband, Elmer Rogers (Acme).

By profession, Edna was a teacher for many years. She had a lifelong passion and quest for knowledge and learning as reflected by her work in the library at Wildwood Elementary School, then by volunteering at the library in Acme. She was also an active woman in her community as exemplified by her being a member of the Prairie Rose Rebekah Lodge for 78 years and a long standing member of the congregation of the United Church.

Edna lived a long and happy life filled with the love of family and countless friendships. Among her many joys in life was her love of music, dancing and singing which she passed down through the generations to her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She loved to play cards, especially bridge and canasta and again, she taught her grandchildren to play before they could even count. She shared her love of cooking and baking with all who knew her and her flapper pie was famous. Her home was always warm and welcoming and everyone loved to come and visit with her.

Edna possessed a gift for connecting with others. She loved to engage in conversations with friends, both old and new and in a way that expressed genuine interest in their lives, that their experiences were important and mattered. She had a kind word, a soft touch and such a grace about her that everyone admired. She was also a role model to all of us in the way she handled any challenge or adversity in life with integrity, a strong heart and a determined will to carry on. Above all, she valued her family, her friendships and her faith.  Her positive spirit has served to teach us all to live by her example.

The family wishes to express our gratitude to the staff at the Brentwood Care Centre for their caring and love and also to the staff at the Sarcee Hospice for their kindness and compassion.

We invite Edna’s relatives and friends to attend a Celebration of Edna’s Life at Crossfield United Church, 1005 Ross Street (south end of Railway Street) on Sunday, March 13, 2016 from 2:00 - 4:00 pm. Refreshments to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Edna's memory to:

Canadian Diabetes Association, #204, 2323 - 32 Avenue NE, Calgary, AB, T2E 6Z3
OR
Alberta Children's Hospital, 2888 Shaganappi Trail NW, Calgary, AB, T3B 6A8
OR
S.T.A.R.S., Box 570, 1441 Aviation Park NE, Calgary, AB, T2R 8M7