Obituary of Edith McLeod
It’s with great sadness that the family of Edith McLeod announces her passing on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the age of 88 years.
Her smile, infectious laughter and zest for life will be forever remembered by her children, Guy, Dean (Charlette), Doug (Susan) & Sandi; her grandchildren, Jamie (Robert), Lexy (Quintin), Justin (Breanna), Ty, Alaina, Kazin & Keenan, and her great-grandchildren Bella, Taylor, Deklyn, Danica, Logan, and Bowen; her sister Ruth (Don), sister-in-law Bernice.
She was predeceased by her husband George, whom she was married to for 47 years; her grandson Michael; and her siblings Horst, Hilda (Jack).
Born in 1935, Edith grew up on the family farm in Goodfare, Alberta, daughter of Fred and Wanda Schwarz. She was 2nd of four children, born to parents of German decent. Her family, worked hard to establish life in Canada, raising cattle and grain farming. In her early 20’s she decided she wanted to try something new and she moved to Calgary, Alberta. She met George when she applied for a waitressing job at the Beacon Hotel, where he was the manager. At first he refused to hire her due to her inexperience, but she insisted and he eventually conceded. He didn’t know how lucky he was! They wed in 1959.
The pair briefly moved to Toronto, back to Calgary, and then to the family farm before George was contacted by a friend about a Chicken Village opportunity. The two decided to take leap of faith and moved to Saskatoon where they learned everything they needed to know about running a Chicken Village franchise. The two settled back in Dawson Creek in 1964, where they opened the most northern Chicken Village store at the time. The family even had the opportunity to meet the Colonel himself! In the coming years, the family would expand their family business, and open Chicken Villages (aka Kentucky Fried Chicken) in Fort St. John and Chetwynd. Their children would eventually take these stores on as their own.
After some success in the business, Edith and George purchased a lot at One Island Lake, where they cleared the land, built a family cabin, and spent many of their summers surrounded by family and friends.
In her later years, Edith welcomed several grandchildren into her life who she quite honestly spoiled silly. Fiercely loyal and protective, there was nothing those kids could do wrong. She could frequently be caught sneaking them snacks before dinner, buying them the latest and greatest toys and giggling at their antics. She loved each of her children and grandchildren for exactly who they were, and was always a safe place to fall.
Those who knew her will tell you that Edith was kind, caring, hard working, energetic and loved to laugh. She was always happy to have a nightcap, and would socialize around the kitchen table well into the night. She was an amazing mother, grandmother, sister, wife, and friend. She put her heart and soul into everything she did, and she will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her.
At Edith’s request, there will be no formal service. The family will be hosting a “Wake at the Lake” at Lot 13 One Island Lake on Saturday, June 29, 2024. Feel free to come by, share stories and remember Edith with us.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that a donation be made to your local Legion; an organization where she volunteered for many Remembrance Day Poppy Drives.
Very Respectfully, Reynars Funeral Home & Crematorium
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