Obituary for Edna Wilma Inkster (Boychook)
Edna Inkster
May 4th, 1924 - Thursday, February 1st, 2024
EDNA WILMA INKSTER (nee Boychook) passed away in Calgary, AB on Thursday, February 1, 2024, only 3 months shy of Birthday 100! Edna was born in Sec.4, Twp lO, Rge 6, W3rd (near Gravelbourg, SK) to John and Carrie Boychook on May 4,1924. Edna was born into what is known as the "Greatest Generation", a generation that grew up during the deprivation of the Great Depression, unselfishly served their country in WW2, and subsequently worked diligently to make a better life for their families and more importantly, future generations.
Edna was predeceased by husband Les (2017) and daughter Shirley (2022), brothers Clifford Grose, Earnie Grose, Ed Boyd; Sisters Ella Tibeau, Clara Olenberger, and Norma Davis. Edna is survived by son Jimmy (Wendy); 6 grandchildren; Sara Inkster, Tom Inkster, J.T. Hill (Christine), Richard Hill (Janine), Patrick Hill (Sylvia) and Michael Hill (Tatianna). 11 Great Grandchildren, Savanna, Arlowe, Josie, Evan, Tyler, Olivia, Bennet, Georgia, Nicholas, Noah, and Mikey.
Edna had remarkable careers. At age 17 attended Normal school and became a teacher in Webb, Saskatchewan, subsequently enrolled in School of Nursing at Moose Jaw General. After graduating with her RN, Edna attended University of California (Berkeley- 2 years), earning her surgical nursing certificate.
Moose Jaw is where she met her husband Les who, at that time, was stationed there while in the RCAF. Les and Edna were married in Calgary on February 26, 1949, where she continued as a surgical nurse at the Holy Cross Hospital. Edna took a sabbatical following the birth of Shirley and Jimmy.
1961, Edna received a call from Briar Hill School asking if she would sub until Christmas. 10 years later she was still teaching there. 1967-1969, Edna attended night school and a sabbatical in 1969 where she earned her Bachelor of Education. Edna continued nursing at the Grace Hospital part time. Edna subsequently retired in 1975 and she and Les settled in Palm Desert CA.
HOLD It! Edna retired? Sounds like an Oxymoron to me. While Edna enjoyed Golfing, became proficient, she needed more! As a golfer she invented the now famous "SBS" shot. (Shi**y But Satisfactory.)
Edna returned to the classroom subbing at Washington Elementary in Palm Desert. The love for nursing was still there and she worked weekends at Angel View Crippled Childrens Hospital in Desert Hot Springs, CA. The Kids loved her. In fact, one boy named Scott would only allow Mom to change his breathing/food tubes! Angel View and the children she attended will remain close to her heart through eternity.
Now Eisenhower Hospital called asking if she would do home care for various patients. Took that on too. Many characters she attended to: Red Skelton, Jackie Gleason, Jenny Craig and others of similar pedigrees. Edna worked into her 80's and is the Pension Queen. Last count she is receiving 5 individual monthly pensions. Finished as a Nursing Administrator (Eisenhower) at retirement.
Edna had a deep affinity to the outdoors and did much hiking in the Mountains. To this day, it is unlikely that there are any trails in the Lake Louise area that do not have her DNA on them. Abbotts Hut, Big Beehive, Lake Agnes, Plain of Six Glaciers remained her favorites along with Sentinel Pass and Larch Valley. Crypt Lake in Waterton, a dangerous and aggressive hike, well she did that too!
Following her final retirement (circa 2006/07) she and Les continued to walk in the desert. Daily they completed a 3.7-mile walk; (We called it "Haystack" as a good portion on Haystack Ave). They met good friends, Diane and Scott Harvill along this route. Dad documented the mileage each day. Close to 500 miles yearly.
Edna was devoted to her Faith. For years they attended Palm Desert Presbyterian Church on Highway 74. This church does have some significance as it was attended by the Supreme Allied Commander in WW2; Dwight D. Eisenhower and wife Maime. Their special pews remain as does a Bust of Dwight D. outside.
Edna was a score keeper at the annual "Bob Hope Chrysler Classic" and kept score for the likes of Marcus Allen, Emmit Smith, Alice Cooper, John Elway, Huey Lewis, Merlin Olson, Samuel L. Jackson, Jerry Rice, Joe Pesci, Lawrence Taylor, Yogi Berra, Vince Gill, Charles Barkley, Michael Bolton, Roger Clemens and more over the many years she volunteered.
Edna loved her movies, Sound of Music, Apollo13, and Titanic among her favorites. Each likely watched several times. Mom's favorite music was Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata".
She loved her games and was a very aggressive Crib, Crazy S's and Backgammon player. Edna was a great cook and hosted many delicious dinner parties. Good nutrition was paramount in raising her family. Edna was an avid football fan and loved the Stampeders (since 1946). As a metaphor of her life, she played every down to the whistle and "left it all the field"! Edna gave 100% to everything she did. A kind Lady who did many fine deeds for others when no one was looking. Having said that, she did have a very fierce and assertive side when needed. Shirley and I learned about that early!
The family wishes to thank: Brian and Bev IngeIson for their kind support of Edna and Les through their years in Palm Desert. Wendy Whittle for her splendid care as a wonderful and caring companion to both Les and Edna in Calgary. Her efforts and kindness were so appreciated and never forgotten. All the great staff at Edgemont Retirement Residence for their care and support of Edna and Les 2015- 2023. All the staff at Bow View Manor from June 19, 2023, to February 1, 2024. The second-floor staff for their tireless work in assisting all, especially Edna in her final days. We are so appreciative of all the staff who were awaiting the family as Edna was transferred from Bow View Manor. A memory we will never forget.
In closing, Edna will be missed dearly by all. The family is at peace knowing Edna is now with the Lord, Les, Shirley and all the other family gone before her. A private family service will be held.
In Edna's memory donations may be made to:
Angel View (nonprofit serving children and adults with disabilities), Desert Hot Springs California, either online Angel View, or cheque: Angel view; Attn Kristin Bloomer; 6725 E. Palm Canyon Dr, Suite 7A, Cathedral City, CA 92234
OR Alberta Children's Hospital (Calgary, AB) online (childrenshospital.ab.ca) or phone {403 955 8818,#3)
A Private Family Service will be held.
To view and share photos, condolences and memories of Edna with the family, please visit www.choicememorial.com.
May 4th, 1924 - Thursday, February 1st, 2024
EDNA WILMA INKSTER (nee Boychook) passed away in Calgary, AB on Thursday, February 1, 2024, only 3 months shy of Birthday 100! Edna was born in Sec.4, Twp lO, Rge 6, W3rd (near Gravelbourg, SK) to John and Carrie Boychook on May 4,1924. Edna was born into what is known as the "Greatest Generation", a generation that grew up during the deprivation of the Great Depression, unselfishly served their country in WW2, and subsequently worked diligently to make a better life for their families and more importantly, future generations.
Edna was predeceased by husband Les (2017) and daughter Shirley (2022), brothers Clifford Grose, Earnie Grose, Ed Boyd; Sisters Ella Tibeau, Clara Olenberger, and Norma Davis. Edna is survived by son Jimmy (Wendy); 6 grandchildren; Sara Inkster, Tom Inkster, J.T. Hill (Christine), Richard Hill (Janine), Patrick Hill (Sylvia) and Michael Hill (Tatianna). 11 Great Grandchildren, Savanna, Arlowe, Josie, Evan, Tyler, Olivia, Bennet, Georgia, Nicholas, Noah, and Mikey.
Edna had remarkable careers. At age 17 attended Normal school and became a teacher in Webb, Saskatchewan, subsequently enrolled in School of Nursing at Moose Jaw General. After graduating with her RN, Edna attended University of California (Berkeley- 2 years), earning her surgical nursing certificate.
Moose Jaw is where she met her husband Les who, at that time, was stationed there while in the RCAF. Les and Edna were married in Calgary on February 26, 1949, where she continued as a surgical nurse at the Holy Cross Hospital. Edna took a sabbatical following the birth of Shirley and Jimmy.
1961, Edna received a call from Briar Hill School asking if she would sub until Christmas. 10 years later she was still teaching there. 1967-1969, Edna attended night school and a sabbatical in 1969 where she earned her Bachelor of Education. Edna continued nursing at the Grace Hospital part time. Edna subsequently retired in 1975 and she and Les settled in Palm Desert CA.
HOLD It! Edna retired? Sounds like an Oxymoron to me. While Edna enjoyed Golfing, became proficient, she needed more! As a golfer she invented the now famous "SBS" shot. (Shi**y But Satisfactory.)
Edna returned to the classroom subbing at Washington Elementary in Palm Desert. The love for nursing was still there and she worked weekends at Angel View Crippled Childrens Hospital in Desert Hot Springs, CA. The Kids loved her. In fact, one boy named Scott would only allow Mom to change his breathing/food tubes! Angel View and the children she attended will remain close to her heart through eternity.
Now Eisenhower Hospital called asking if she would do home care for various patients. Took that on too. Many characters she attended to: Red Skelton, Jackie Gleason, Jenny Craig and others of similar pedigrees. Edna worked into her 80's and is the Pension Queen. Last count she is receiving 5 individual monthly pensions. Finished as a Nursing Administrator (Eisenhower) at retirement.
Edna had a deep affinity to the outdoors and did much hiking in the Mountains. To this day, it is unlikely that there are any trails in the Lake Louise area that do not have her DNA on them. Abbotts Hut, Big Beehive, Lake Agnes, Plain of Six Glaciers remained her favorites along with Sentinel Pass and Larch Valley. Crypt Lake in Waterton, a dangerous and aggressive hike, well she did that too!
Following her final retirement (circa 2006/07) she and Les continued to walk in the desert. Daily they completed a 3.7-mile walk; (We called it "Haystack" as a good portion on Haystack Ave). They met good friends, Diane and Scott Harvill along this route. Dad documented the mileage each day. Close to 500 miles yearly.
Edna was devoted to her Faith. For years they attended Palm Desert Presbyterian Church on Highway 74. This church does have some significance as it was attended by the Supreme Allied Commander in WW2; Dwight D. Eisenhower and wife Maime. Their special pews remain as does a Bust of Dwight D. outside.
Edna was a score keeper at the annual "Bob Hope Chrysler Classic" and kept score for the likes of Marcus Allen, Emmit Smith, Alice Cooper, John Elway, Huey Lewis, Merlin Olson, Samuel L. Jackson, Jerry Rice, Joe Pesci, Lawrence Taylor, Yogi Berra, Vince Gill, Charles Barkley, Michael Bolton, Roger Clemens and more over the many years she volunteered.
Edna loved her movies, Sound of Music, Apollo13, and Titanic among her favorites. Each likely watched several times. Mom's favorite music was Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata".
She loved her games and was a very aggressive Crib, Crazy S's and Backgammon player. Edna was a great cook and hosted many delicious dinner parties. Good nutrition was paramount in raising her family. Edna was an avid football fan and loved the Stampeders (since 1946). As a metaphor of her life, she played every down to the whistle and "left it all the field"! Edna gave 100% to everything she did. A kind Lady who did many fine deeds for others when no one was looking. Having said that, she did have a very fierce and assertive side when needed. Shirley and I learned about that early!
The family wishes to thank: Brian and Bev IngeIson for their kind support of Edna and Les through their years in Palm Desert. Wendy Whittle for her splendid care as a wonderful and caring companion to both Les and Edna in Calgary. Her efforts and kindness were so appreciated and never forgotten. All the great staff at Edgemont Retirement Residence for their care and support of Edna and Les 2015- 2023. All the staff at Bow View Manor from June 19, 2023, to February 1, 2024. The second-floor staff for their tireless work in assisting all, especially Edna in her final days. We are so appreciative of all the staff who were awaiting the family as Edna was transferred from Bow View Manor. A memory we will never forget.
In closing, Edna will be missed dearly by all. The family is at peace knowing Edna is now with the Lord, Les, Shirley and all the other family gone before her. A private family service will be held.
In Edna's memory donations may be made to:
Angel View (nonprofit serving children and adults with disabilities), Desert Hot Springs California, either online Angel View, or cheque: Angel view; Attn Kristin Bloomer; 6725 E. Palm Canyon Dr, Suite 7A, Cathedral City, CA 92234
OR Alberta Children's Hospital (Calgary, AB) online (childrenshospital.ab.ca) or phone {403 955 8818,#3)
A Private Family Service will be held.
To view and share photos, condolences and memories of Edna with the family, please visit www.choicememorial.com.