EDNA MARY SANDMOEN

We sadly and respectfully announce the passing of Edna Mary Sandmoen on February 7, 2025.

Missing her easy and cheerful presence are her daughters, Dale Sandmoen (Tina), Cindy Phillips (Jack) and Tracy Sandmoen, grandsons Luke, Stellan, Levi, Nate, and Thor, sisters Betty and Shirley, brother Art, special niece Myrna Veldman, lifelong friend Mildred Beach, special friends Sharon and Edwin Austman, sister-in-law Nettie Brunet and many, many nieces and nephews.

Gone before Edna is her husband Lloyd Sandmoen, sister Anne, brothers John, Harry, Edward and Abe, sisters-in-law Isabelle, Annie and Ella (Braun), Merle, Joyce and Evelyn (Sandmoen), brothers-in-law Vic Rood, Jack Freeman, Jim Dalgleish, Laurus Eyford, Gisli Sigfusson and Einar Austman, and nephews Clifford and Ross Rempel. Predeceased also is Edna’s first husband, Bernard Rempel.

Edna was born in the family home just outside Morris, Manitoba, the eighth of nine children to Mary and Jacob Braun. Growing up in Kane and later Lowe Farm, Edna’s family lived through lean times. Her mother always said, “We may not have much, but we have each other.” Her father played the fiddle while the children sang, filling their house with the music that was such a large part of Edna’s childhood. Edna was always devoted to her family and community, belonging to the local 4-H sewing club and Sunday School. The hymns sung in the Mennonite church would stay with Edna her entire life.

When Edna was 18, she left home to work in the Ninette Sanatorium caring for tuberculosis patients.

Edna married her high school sweetheart Benny, in 1956. Even as a young couple, Edna and Benny knew they would eventually have to grapple with Benny's Type 1 diabetes. Edna had the heartbreaking experience of nursing her young husband as his eyesight and body failed under his untreatable condition. They lived for a time in Vancouver before moving to Winnipeg to be closer to family in Benny's final years. Still a beautiful young bride, Edna was widowed at 24.

This early independence encouraged Edna to seek her own way in Winnipeg, working at the Manitoba Telephone System and the Royal Bank. Always a talented seamstress, she outfitted herself in stylish, custom fitted clothing. Edna cut quite the beautiful and stunning figure as she embraced her new life in the city. She filled her time ushering at the Royal Manitoba Theatre, attending plays, musicals and concerts and going out with friends.

Edna’s friendly and outgoing demeanour meant she had friends from all areas of her life. Her friend Donna Barnes who she worked with at the bank, convinced Edna to go for the weekend with her to her hometown to attend a dance in Grahamdale. One the way to the dance, their car broke down. Another car pulled up behind them and a quiet, handsome young man offered to help. As the women’s car refused to start, they accepted a ride from him. That kind young man was Lloyd Sandmoen, and Edna met the second love of her life.

Edna and Lloyd were married in September, 1961 and lived in Winnipeg before moving to Lloyd’s family farm in Hayland. Edna adapted to farm life by working hard, becoming part of the community and making good friends. Edna and Lloyd had three daughters, who they raised on the farm. Edna sewed her young daughters’ clothes, and many Christmas pictures showcase three girls in similarly themed custom outfits. “Have You Hugged Your Kid Today" was Edna’s favourite saying, and bursting into song at every opportunity kept her family home loving and lively.

Edna was a sewing leader in the Siglunes Galloping Stitches 4-H Club for many years, earning herself a Volunteer Award from 4-H. She tirelessly worked at the Siglunes community bingos, bonspiels, picnics, showers, socials and all community weddings and funerals.

Edna and Lloyd diversified their cattle farm to chicken farming and later to breeding turkeys. Edna worked right beside her husband with the cattle and poultry, feeding, picking eggs, sanitizing and packing eggs and then driving to the hatchery in Niverville. She also cooked, cleaned, and made and ran meals out to the hayfield. In the early days, she grew the vegetables, scalded fresh cow’s milk, baked bread and decorated the fanciest birthday cakes for her family. And somehow, she had time to make roast beef and turkey dinners on the regular, and if anyone was to show up for supper, they got the full spread.

Edna and Lloyd retired from breeding turkeys in 2003. Edna took up gardening again, using new and novel ways to raise tomatoes on the deck. She once again took care of other birds - hummingbirds - filling multiple feeders with care and dedication, enjoying the beautiful tiny, tenacious birds from her windows. Edna loved to travel and she and Lloyd went on many sightseeing trips and cruises. Edna enjoyed her solo travel too, flying to BC to see her sisters and brother, and to Jamaica to visit her friend Mildred.

Edna moved off the farm in 2019 and into Lindenwood Manor in Winnipeg. She enjoyed the sociality of assisted living and being closer to her daughters and grandchildren. Sadly, Edna lost Lloyd in early 2020, and shortly after, Covid stopped all visiting and socializing. Edna’s new life would not be easy as the isolation from Covid rapidly progressed her dementia. With her daughters’ support, she moved to supportive housing and later to long term care, where she was adored by staff, residents and nurses alike.

Edna died in the presence of her daughters on February 7, a cold, bright sunny day. Edna loved the sunshine, always matching it with her dazzling smile. She left her daughters with love, an appreciation for optimism, and the wisdom to see the sunshine with the cold. We miss you Mom.

We would like to give our heartfelt thanks to the staff at Calvary Place PCH and River Park Gardens PCH. Your compassion and kindness is forever appreciated.

Cremation has taken place. We will be celebrating Edna’s life at a family gathering. In lieu of flowers, hug your children.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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