Burns, Edna Alice Katharine (née: Nelson)
EDNA ALICE KATHARINE BURNS (née: Nelson)
July 31st, 1924 – January 12th, 2024
Edna Burns, Mom, Grandma, Great-Grandma, Great-Great-Grandma, mentor, teacher, and friend, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 12th, 2024. She was predeceased by her husband of 50 years, Earl Burns; parents, Ed and Euphemia Nelson; sister, Gladys Gaudreau; in-laws, Frank and Matilda Burns, Alecia and Glen Buchanan; daughter-in-law, Shelly Burns; son-in-law, Al Miller; family friend, Cam Beaton; as well as nearly everyone else. Edna is survived by her children: Sandra (Stew) Godfrey, Sheila Miller, Rob (Glennys) Burns, and Nancy (Heather) Burns; grandchildren: Lorrie Miller, Leah Miller, Heather Miller, Allan Miller III, Dakota Godfrey, Caleb Burns, Josh Burns, Sarah Tighe, and Sydney Burns; fourteen great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.
Edna was born on July 31st, 1924 in Wadena, SK and grew up on the family homestead in the Algrove District, where she attended school through the 10th grade. She finished high school in Rose Valley, SK in 1942 and with one month of Normal School training, went out to teach in a one-room school in rural Saskatchewan for the next two years. In all, Edna would teach for 30 years in 5 decades, taking time away from teaching to raise her own family. She retired in 1989.
Edna met Earl Burns while finishing Normal School in 1945. They were married on October 19th that same year. They eventually settled back in Moose Jaw, SK on Carleton Street, first at 952 and then at 958 in the “big house” Earl built in 1959. Edna lived there for the next 59 years until 2018 when her health dictated that she move to assisted living.
Edna was a dedicated parent and a no-nonsense teacher who was fondly remembered by her students, often teaching two generations of the same family. She was a loyal friend and confidante, providing both a shoulder to cry on and a hankie to “wipe your nose and carry on.”
Sometimes frustrated and confused by her declining capacity, Edna still enjoyed life and we were heartened by snatches of wit and sense of humour. As she once commented about her failing memory, “It doesn’t ring any bells, but the bells don’t ring like they used to.” She will be missed.
The family would like to thank the staff of Pioneer Lodge for the care and compassion they gave to Mom the last three years.
The Funeral Service will be held on Friday, January 19th, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. in Moose Jaw Funeral Home. Those not able to attend may view the service virtually by going to www.moosejawfuneralhome.com/webcast/. As per Edna’s adamant instructions, flowers are gratefully declined. As an expression of sympathy, donations in Edna’s name may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Andrew Pratt, Funeral Director 306-693-4550
I knew Edna from COSMO. Played many games with and against here. Very nice lady. Sorry for your loss.
Our condolences to the whole family from Jack and Dorothy Kienlen
Thinking of you Sheila. Condolences to you and your family. Your momwas a great lady. Pat McCaig
My condolences to the family. Edna was a lovely lady who I had great respect for. I was glad that Edna and my Mom were able to do Europe trip together and know it was something my mother had cherished. I still reference ” The Nelson Family” family history book That Edna had done for us, and was so appreciated the time and effort she had put into it. Family had meant alot to her.
My condolences to the family of Mrs. Burns. She was my teacher at westmount many years ago.
Sleepwell Mrs.Burns.
Rob & Glennys & family.
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Our condolences on the passing of your mother.
We were sorry to hear of Edna’s passing. Mom dearly loved Edna and we grew up considering her our aunt although we couldn’t quite figure out how this was possible. Mom and Edna shared many life experiences including their love of teaching and they continued to get together for special occasions all their lives. Our family extend our condolences to your family.
Connie & Erwin, Ron & Gerri, Kathy, Kelly, Jim and Scott
Edna was my counterpart next door at Westmount for a few years. She was a classy lady who was always on time, had encouraging words for students and fellow staff, and very quietly and capably “ got things done”. She had a remarkable life with her family around her. She will be missed.
My deepest condolences to the family. I was able to zoom into the service and it was a beautiful tribute to a really remarkable lady Auntie Edna meant a lot to our family and she will always be cherished for her humor, grace, love and compassion. Rest in peace.