January 23, 1911 – October 28, 2016

Edna May Arnold (nee Johnson) born in North Derbyshire England on Jan 23, 1911 and passed away peacefully on October 28, 2016 at Pine Grove Care Centre. Edna lived a life full to the brim with family and friends. She was predeceased by her husband Frederick Arnold in 1996, daughter Grace Arundel in 2007, and son John Arnold in 2008. She is survived by her son Rodney (Della) Arnold; 10 grandchildren: Bruce (Shelley) Arundel; Earl (Karen) Arundel; Rosemary Saint Michaels; Sheila (John) Sutton; Ian Arnold; Michael (Caroline)Arnold; Andrea (Dylan) Chadsey; Janine (Maurico) Arnold/Fernandez; Derek (Michelle) Arnold and Kimberly (Dennis) England; 20 great grandchildren, and 7 great great grandchildren.

Edna loved her music and school and was always at the top of her class. She left Burton and went to college in Victoria (normal school) where she studied to become a teacher. But when she graduated, at the height of the Depression, there were no teaching jobs, so she took a job caring for the children of a Russian family. It was at that time she learned to play cards and drink homemade beer. She and friends would get together on warm summer nights and visit, play cards and enjoy the coolness of the beer that was stored deep in the cellar.

She married Fred Arnold, a hard working man that she knew growing up. They started their family in the Kootenays on the Arrow Lakes. They moved to Lumby where the family continued to grow; and by the late 40’s were living in a shack on Mission Flats Rd. Fred built the family home on Mission Flats Rd above the railroad crossing and there, together, raised their family. As the family expanded over the years; they were joined for many family celebrations with returning children and growing grandchildren.

Grandma always said that her family was her most important life accomplishment and that she was very proud of all of them. She has been an inspiring woman all her life. She maintained that pioneering spirit and cheerfulness in the face of adversity. She was clever, funny and great company. She saw with an open heart and viewed each day with a positive attitude. She was always gracious and thankful for all that life offered her.

A life well lived.

A Celebration of Edna’s life will be held on Saturday, November 5, 2016 at 2 pm in St. George’s Anglican Church, 308 Royal Avenue with O’Della Grundy officiating.

Condolences may be expressed at www.schoeningfuneralservice.com

• Date : 2016-10-28
• Location : Kamloops, B.C.