Obituary of Edna Iona Tunem

Edna Tunem 1928 - 2019 Edna Iona Tunem was born on October 20, 1928 on the family farm in the Ordale district to Josie and Nick Olson. She had two siblings, Olaf and Norma. Life on the farm was busy, especially with the turkeys that were raised and sold annually. Edna attended the Bygland school. Edna began working for other families in the community at a young age and then moved to Prince Albert to work as a housekeeper, and then to the Birch Hills area, where she worked in a country store. Edna married John Tunem in 1953 and they settled on the farm 5 miles west of Shellbrook. They had two daughters, Janet and Noreen. In 1967, the family moved a bit farther west to a farm in the Ordale district. John and Edna worked together to make a good life for their family and were a solid example of a good partnership for their daughters. In 1976, they sold the farm and moved to Shellbrook. John and Edna both worked for the Department of Highways, however, Edna was very happy to have the opportunity to be one of the first Geriatric Aides who worked at Parkland Terrace when it opened. She loved her work there and stayed until she retired in 1988. When John passed away in 2004, Edna sold the house and moved to seniors’ housing in Shellbrook. Her eyesight began to fail at that time, and so listening to music became a great past-time when she could no longer read. When her health began to fail, she moved first to the Heritage Manor in Debden, then to the Wheatland Lodge in Leask, and finally, to the Special Care Home in Shellbrook. Edna was active in the Lutheran church and had a strong faith. She was an excellent cook, a fantastic baker of pies, lefsa, bread and buns, a gardener, and preserver. Edna was generous, loving, faithful, and humble. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends, having many rich friendships over the years. She was a great mother to Janet and Noreen and a wonderful grandma to John, Ian, Erik, and Britt. Edna spent many hours with her grandchildren and was so patient and kind. She was happy to become a great-grandmother to “little Noli”. Edna will be missed beyond measure by those who survive her: her daughter, Janet and her husband, Darryl Gray, and their sons, John and Ian (Kiera, and their daughter Magnolia) and her daughter, Noreen and her husband, Rick Agrey, and their children, Erik and Britt. She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Orville Agrey, and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and her friends. Edna so missed those who went before her: her husband, John, her beloved parents, her sister and brother, as well as John’s parents, other family members, and many close friends. The funeral service, led by Pastor Emmanuel Aristide, will be held at St. John Lutheran Church on Wednesday, August 7 at 2:00 p.m. Pallbearers are Orin, Sid, and Norman Olson, Ray Agrey, Norman Painchaud, and Rod Marchessault. Edna will be laid to rest beside her husband in the North Concordia Cemetery, on “the plains”. Donations may be made to St. John Lutheran Church or charity of one’s choice. Lord, make me an instrument of your peace; where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is discord, union; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy. Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home, Tammy Smart and Fred Pomrenk, Funeral Directors, Shellbrook ( 306-747-2828).