March 23, 1938 - April 25, 2019
Our hearts are heavy as we share the news that Edie, our dear Mom, Nana, Sister, Auntie, Cousin and Friend, has passed away in Nanaimo, B.C., where she had lived for the past two years. Edie is survived by her son Kevin Bishop (Joanne) in Campbell River and daughter Shari Bishop Bowes (Greg) in Nanaimo, much loved grandsons Allan Bishop (Port Moody) and Brent Bishop (Squamish), her brother Dick Olsen (Madeira Park), nieces and nephews and their families, and good friends in Squamish and Campbell River.
She was predeceased by her husband Larry Bishop, who left us far too soon in 1987.
Edie was born the youngest of six children to Clara (d. 1977) and Samuel Olsen (d. 1964) in Brackendale, B.C. Alice, Mary, Donna, Thelma and Richard (Dick) rounded out the family that lived next door to the Brackendale Store in the old Olsen family home. As the youngest child she was doted on by her elder siblings and given the freedom to roam and play outdoors in what was then a rural place with many attractions for youngsters who sought amusement.
Edie attended Brackendale School near Leski's Crossing, and Mashiter School for high school in Squamish, and as a young woman worked at Yarwood Drugs downtown. She later worked in bookkeeping for Squamish Transfer (her father-in-law Ed Bishop's company) and then for Larry's logging truck business. Larry and Edie married on September 30, 1956.
Life was centred on family with Nana Clara just down the road, and three of her siblings (Thelma, Dick, Donna) and their families either across the road or a few minutes walk away, and Alice in Woodfibre then Garibaldi Estates. Mary was the only sister who lived away with her family. Family dinners, holidays, birthdays and camping trips were joys for Edie, who had a wonderful sense of fun and a great sense of humour.
Edie loved gardening and being outdoors, at family bbqs, camping, walking, or on fishing trips with Larry and often with Wendy and Louie Acorn.
After losing Larry, Edie was looking for a fresh start and headed to Campbell River, where she enjoyed golfing, curling and volunteering, and made good friends pursuing these activities.
She moved to Yucalta Lodge in Campbell River when it became too difficult to manage on her own, living with dementia. Her family is very grateful for the care she received there, and then at Eden Gardens in Nanaimo.
Edie was very proud of her children and grandsons and loved her extended family very much. She will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved her.
No formal service is planned, however a gathering of family and friends to remember Edie will take place June 29 in Nanaimo.
If you would like to remember Edie with a gift in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to Eden Gardens - operating as Nanaimo Travellers Lodge Society, the non-profit dementia care facility in Nanaimo. Funds help the facility provide amazing art art, music and gardening therapy activities for residents.