EDITH ERNA STRAND (SCHMIDT)

Heaven has gained a beautiful Angel.  It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Edith Erna Strand, who passed away peacefully on June 24, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Edith (Edie) was born on May 23, 1944, in Gostynin, Poland. She came to Alberta, Canada in 1947 when she was just three years old with her parents, Gustav and Emilie Schmidt, and her sister, Erika and settled in Manola. They moved to Highridge for a short time before moving back to Manola.  In 1956 the family moved to Chisholm.

In 1960 Edith left home and moved to Edmonton to become a nanny.  That same year she quit her job and moved to Fort Assiniboine where she worked as a waitress. This is where she met the love of her life, Elwood Strand. Together they lived in Fort Assiniboine, Whitecourt, back to Fort Assiniboine and then Barrhead before moving to Edmonton, where they continued to reside. Edith’s greatest joy was spending time with her family. She also enjoyed meeting her friends for coffee, travelling with family, camping, and quadding. Edith was a woman of many talents, including crocheting, card making, and many other crafts which would involve spending time with her two daughters.

Edith will be lovingly remembered by her children, Karen (Dennis) Butkowski, Stacey (William) Urwin, and Fred (Michelle) Strand; her grandchildren, Cody Butkowski (Kendell Kainz), Matthew Butkowski, Chantel Urwin, Jessica Urwin, Jewles Strand, and Derick Strand; her sister, Erika Bastian; her brother-in-laws, Egon Bastian and Ron Strand; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved her. Edith was a kind and generous woman who always thought of others before herself.

Edith was predeceased by Elwood, her husband of 61 years; her parents, Gustav and Emilie Schmidt; her father-in-law, Marlin Strand, her mother-in-law, Mable Strand; her sister-in-law, Elaine (Cis) Deren; and her brother-in-law, John Deren.

The family extends special thanks to Josie, Edith’s home care aide of nine years; Dr. Mishchenko and Stephanie at Callingwood Crossing Medical Centre; and her Palliative Care team, in particular Dr. Ingrid De Kocks.

A private celebration of life will be held September 20, 2026.

In Edith’s memory, donations may be made to Haying in the 30’s or to the Cross Cancer Institute.