We are saddened to announce the passing of Edith Keene on December 14, 2012, at the Lakeside Manor Care Home at Saltcoats, Saskatchewan. Edith is predeceased by her husband, Stanley, son-in-law, Dave Weick, parents, Art and Mabel Leppington, brother, Lorne, brothers-in-law, Milton Whitmarsh, Dick Keene and Howard Keene, parents-in-law, Leslie and Lillian Keene. She will be remembered by her children, Lynne (Gordon) Weick, of Churchbridge, SK, Lois Weick of Regina, SK, and Gordon (Lorna) Keene of Lake of the Prairies, MB; grandchildren Carla (Brent) Boyle of Calgary, AB, Allanna (David) Horsman of Yorkton, SK, Leanne (Dale) Fraser of Churchbridge, SK, Lynette Keene of Burnaby, BC and Candice Keene of Regina, SK; great grandchildren Ashlyn, Brayden, Brendan, Jesse, Todd, Kylee, Avery and Jorja, as well as nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends. Edith was born to Art and Mabel Leppington on October 11, 1921, in Harriston, ON. Her early years were spent there and she still remembered the maple syrup run - eating maple syrup drizzled over snow. Apparently there is nothing like it! She moved west with her parents and elder brother, Lorne, when she was six. It was a memorable train ride - the clacking of the train wheels stayed in her head long after the trip had ended. The family took up farming in the Bredenbury area and Edith often recalled busy days spent cooking and feeding the harvesting crews. She attended Bredenbury school until family circumstances necessitated that she remain at home. Music, singing and dancing filled her spare moments as she was growing up and continued through the years to be favourite pastimes. In 1945 Edith married Stanley Keene and they undertook their own mixed farming enterprise, purchasing and developing Stan's parent's farm just east of Bredenbury. Edith was an accomplished homemaker, her days busy caring for her children, taking them to band or piano practice, skating and swimming lessons, gardening, berry picking, canning and preserving, sewing, knitting, crocheting, raising chickens and geese, gathering eggs - the list goes on. Edith enjoyed the pursuit of knowledge and always pushed herself and her children to aspire to new things. Once her children were on their own, Edith fulfilled a long-held dream - she returned to school, attained her GED and completed a short business course. She worked briefly for a start up cable company in Yorkton and then as Information Officer for PCS when it was exploring the possibility of starting a mine in the Bredenbury area. When that job ended, helping care for her aging parents became her priority. As Edith and Stan gradually turned their farm operation over to son Gordon, they purchased a motor home and travelled to Phoenix, California, BC and made extensive trips through Saskatchewan and Manitoba, visiting family and friends. In 1988 Edith and Stan officially retired from the farm and moved to Yorkton. They kept their hand in the farm by always being available to run errands or watch over the grandchildren during busy times. Life in Yorkton was good - Edith's days were spent gardening and working in the yard, and getting to know each of the great grandchildren as they made their appearances. She also became adept at using a computer and was the "server" for the family network. Her children could check in with her and soon know what everyone in the family was doing. In 2007 Edith and Stan moved into the Bentley Retirement Community. Regrettably Stan passed away in June of that year. Edith remained at the Bentley until 2009, when heath issues necessitated her move to the Lakeside Manor Care Home where she resided until her passing. The special joy in her life was her family and extended family. She took an avid interest in monitoring her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren's activities and accomplishments. She was a gentle, loving soul. She was always there - either with congratulations or comfort. Edith's family wish to extend their gratitude to the staff of the Lakeside Manor Care Home in Saltcoats, Sk for the care and compassion provide to Edith over the last 3 ½ years. A Memorial Service was held on Thursday, December 20, 2012 from the Chapel of Christie's Funeral Home in Yorkton, Sk, with Reverend Walter Farquharson officiating. The organist, Lorne Neal, led the congregation in the singing of the hymns, "Would You Bless our Homes and Families". Special music was provided by Free Spirit who sang, "Whispering Hope" and "In The Garden". The Cremation Committal will take place in the Bredenbury Town Cemetery at a later date. Friends so wishing may forward their condolences to the family by visiting www.christiesfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Christie's Funeral Home & Crematorium, Yorkton, Saskatchewan.
