Edythe Hooper Floate
It is with great sadness that the family of Edythe Hooper Floate (nee Chanin) announce her passing on November 23, 2023, in Lake Country, BC.
Edythe was born to Samuel Heard Chanin and Gladys Eloise Chanin (nee Elliott) on May 1, 1922, in Stonewall, MB. She was the eldest of five children, followed by the births of her siblings – Herb, Al, Keith, and Alice.
Edythe attended primary and secondary schools in Stonewall and later went to Normal School in Winnipeg. She taught at various schools in Manitoba and taught for three years at the San Antonio School District in Bissett, Manitoba, where Edythe met her future husband, Norman Floate.
Edythe and Norm lived in many communities during their 53-year marriage, including Winnipeg and Dauphin MB, Saskatoon and Weyburn SK, Calgary AB, and Prince George BC, ultimately settling in Kindersley SK in 1977. Norm predeceased Edythe in 2002. At the age of 100 Edythe moved from Kindersley to Lake Country BC to be closer to family.
Edythe was a very caring and open-minded mother to her five children. She was also an epic “Nana” to her five grandchildren. Memories of buckets of boiled raisin, oatmeal date, ginger, and other cookies, Nanaimo bars, and hamburger soup will last for generations. Also lasting will be memories of Edythe’s kindness, caring, optimism, and wicked sense of humour.
Edythe managed the household logistics and finances so capably that she could have written a bestseller on how to do it. She loved to garden and passed that love onto her children. Edythe also worked with Norm in his store in Kindersley and as a personal care attendant after Norm retired. She found the time to be an active volunteer in the communities where she lived, including the United Church Women’s group, the Brownies, the Kindersley Horticultural Society, and the Kindersley Retired Teachers’ Organization.
Surviving Edythe are her children; Dennis, Terry (Heather), Maureen (Matt), Shannon, and Kevin (Rose), four granddaughters, one grandson and one great-grandson, and Edythe’s brothers Herb and Al.
Edythe lost her sight at age 86. While this significantly affected her later years, she continued to knit squares to be made into afghans for charities. The family is grateful for the love and support that she received from her friends and staff at Caleb Village in Kindersley and by the kind and caring staff at Lake Country Lodge in Winfield B.C.
Edythe had a life well lived full of love and friendship.
Interment of Edythe’s ashes will take place at the cemetery in MacGregor, MB at a date to be determined. For those who wish, the family asks that memorial donations be made to the charity of your choice.