Edythe Holden

Edythe Anne Holden

(nee Gregson)

September 10, 1925 - April 18, 2014

In the early hours of Friday, April 18, 2014, with family by her side, Edythe peacefully passed away in Portage la Prairie. She will be dearly missed. Her warm and generous spirit lives on in her family: her husband of 64 years, Les Holden; their 4 children, Greg, {Linda} Holden, Juanita Holden, Terry {Craig} Campbell, Karen {Mel} Holden; their 5 grandchildren, Kiersten{Zak}, Shayne, Lauren{Joe}, Colin, Amiya; and 3 great grandchildren, Neime, Sable, and Fenix.

Edythe was born in Brandon, Manitoba, the only child of Sid and Mary Gregson.   In high school, Edythe won a scholarship to attend the Winnipeg School of Art.  After graduation, she took a summer job at the Sioux Narrows Lodge in Lake of the Woods, owned by the Holden family.  Her plans to travel Europe were cut short when she met Les. They married, and built a home on an island in Regina Bay.  Their first two children were born there, and many adventurous stories came of those years.   The ice flows and deep waters made raising toddlers more than a challenge.  Their third child was born in Kenora, Ontario; they then lived in Winnipeg for a short time.

Eventually they moved to Portage la Prairie, where their fourth child was born.  In time they started their own business.  Edythe was also very active in the art scene and was instrumental in the creation of the Brush and Palette Club, where she taught Art Classes for many years.

Their next move was to Riding Mountain National Park where Edie and Les operated the Fireside Inn Restaurant and Mooswa Resort. Edythe continued to teach Art classes in Dauphin, Onanole and the Erickson School District. She played a key role in starting Wasagaming Summer Arts. Additionally, her many commissioned works can be seen throughout the Prairie provinces. During that time Edythe also created, owned and operated Cottage Crafts Boutique. Edythe's creativity, humour and generosity gathered people from all ages and walks of life. She was deeply compassionate of family, friends, animals and nature.

For their retirement, Edythe and Les moved back to the beautiful lake country of Sioux Narrows.  The following 20 years were spent enjoying the company of family and friends at their home. Edie continued painting in her studio, which resulted in a very successful show at a gallery in Winnipeg. She also helped organize and exhibited in the annual Sioux Narrows Art Festival.  In 2011, Edie held her last art show, along with daughter Karen, at the Portage Art Centre.

In 2009, Edie and Les moved back to Portage La Prairie to be near loved ones.     Mom's passing has left a huge void in our lives. She will live on in our hearts and memories.

In following Edythe's wishes, a memorial service in celebration of her life will be held for her immediate family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Portage Sunset Palliative Care Unit Inc.,  Box 92, Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N 3B2 or to a charity of one's choice.

We would like to extend special thanks to The Palliative Care Nurses and Volunteers, the Home Care Staff, and Portage General Hospital Doctors, Nurses and Staff.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.  204-857-4021 www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com