Edith Isabel Groom was born on the family farm near Blackwater, Ontario, on May 19, 1920, the youngest of five children born of Charles William Rennie and Nellie McMillan. She was predeceased by her parents and brothers Almer and George, sisters Mable and Ruth, and her cherished husband, the Reverend Howard Groom. She leaves her children Doug (Jhan, and sons Matthew and Rick), Murray (Susan, and sons Benjamin and Isaac, and daughter Bethany), Gwen (Mircea, and children Heather, Laural and Graham), numerous nieces, nephews and close friends to treasure the memory of her wonderful life. Everyone loved Edith’s quick wit, unconditional kindness and generosity, joyful piano playing, strong spirit and steadfast faith.
Edith spent her childhood and early married years in southern Ontario. She and Howard moved to Saskatchewan in the late 1940’s where she supported him in his calling to serve as a minister in the United Church of Canada. They raised their young family in Wawota, Hanley, Young, Fort Qu’Appelle and Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, and later in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Her skills and personality found great satisfaction at work in the public library systems in Moose Jaw and Winnipeg. Edith loved hosting international students and was a devoted reader and wicked scrabble player most of her life. Edith never hesitated to share what she had and always left people and places better off than when she found them.
In 1986, after many happy years in Nestor Falls and Sioux Narrows, Ontario, Edith and Howard retired to Victoria B.C. where they continued their lifelong involvement in the church through the congregations of Oak Bay United Church and St.John’s United, Deep Cove. Despite her failing eyesight and declining health in the last three years, Edith remained a bright, dignified woman with a passion for story-telling and sharing a laugh; she never passed up a chance to share one more tale. She was always current, curious and concerned about others and our world. Her gift and love for music rounded out her life and made us all happy. Edith, mom, grandma, aunt Edie, dear friend and neighbour: you will be missed, your spirit will endure.
A service to celebrate Edith’s life will be held at McCall’s Chapel, Johnson and Vancouver Streets in Victoria, British Columbia on Wednesday, December 18th at 10:00 a.m.. Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations in Edith’s memory, if you wish, may be sent to St. John’s United Church, 10990 West Saanich Road, Sidney, BC V8L 5R9
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Tricia Horne
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Pat and Jerry Fugate So many years have gone but our memories remain.
Your Mother was a very dear friend of my mom- Elsie Harrison.
Both Jerry and I were blessed to have known Edith as well as Howard.
Please know that we are sad to hear of her passing away.
Mom had many, good laughs and also lots of scrabble games.Our thoughts are with the whole family. God Bless , Pat and Jerry Fugate
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Helen McLean My Deepest Condolence to the family.
Sincerely with Love
Helen
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Kelvin and Bette Brown Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time. We have such wonderful memories of Edith when we all lived in Silver Heights, and a few years ago when we visited in Victoria. What an outstanding Christian Edith was, and worked tirelessly with Howard . What a wonderful mother she was, and a true friend. She has now joined Howard in God’s House. Love to you all, Kelvin and Bette
I offer sincere condolences to the family of Edit Isabel Groom. She & her husband the late Dr. Howard Groom were friends of my late husband Capt. John Horne and me. We met through The Canadian Club of Victoria, discovered they were neighbors, enjoyed each others company. With deepest sympathy, Tricia Horne