Obituary of Phyllis Edwina King

PHYLLIS EDWINA KING (TURNER)

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Age 95, New Glasgow, passed away peacefully on July 9, 2019 at Glen Haven Manor.     ​

Born in Sandhurst, England, she was the daughter of the late Jack and Clarissa (Molly) Turner. Edwina is survived by her daughters, Pauline (George) Henaut, Susan (Clare) King-Darby and son John (Cindy); grandchildren David (Candace) Franzman-King, Krissina (Blaine) Bradshaw, and Andrew (Monique) King; great-grandchildren Abigail, Clark, Logan, Rylie, sister-in-law Gwen King (Ontario), brother-in-law David Tame (England), and many nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by husband John (Jack) Percival King; sisters, Avis, Pauline and Valerie.​

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When World War II broke out, Edwina was working as an apprentice at a photography studio, but left to join the war effort. She was trained in the use of radar and installed it along airstrips. ​She met her future husband, Jack, who was a Canadian soldier on leave in England. After the war, she boarded the Queen Mary arriving in New York where she was met by Jack. Married in 1946, the couple lived in Jeannette’s Creek, South Western Ontario until 1989 when they moved to New Glasgow, N.S. to be closer to her daughters.​ Throughout her life she maintained a faithful correspondence with her English family and friends; in later years the telephone replaced the pen.

Edwina and Jack visited England several times over the course of their marriage. A year after moving to New Glasgow, Jack died suddenly. Edwina picked up her life, made new friends and got involved in church and Pauline and Susan’s lives, while keeping in touch and visiting with son, John and his family in Alberta.​ She was an enthusiastic supporter of Pauline and George’s drama with music ministry, becoming involved in church choir and a few ventures on stage.

Edwina was a woman of faith having read the complete Bible at least four times! Her favourite Bible passage was Psalm 23 which she read/recited daily as part of her reflective reading. She was comforted knowing that: “Surely Your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever”. She was an avid reader; she enjoyed historical novels, biographies (James Herriot and Lucy Maud Montgomery).

Edwina enjoyed instrumental, classical and easy listening music which she often played during her reading sessions; she particularly enjoyed listening to Clair de Lune, Mantovini and private concerts with her daughters playing the piano and violin. Her favorite movie genre was Westerns; she had an extensive DVD collection. She liked to knit and garden; she instilled a love of gardening in all her children. Although she did not consider herself to be an expert baker or cook; her English trifle, Spanish cream, lemon curd, Yorkshire pudding, and pastry were enjoyed by all who savoured her delicacies.

Edwina was always conscious of her appearance, enjoying selecting the appropriate accessories for each outfit. Among her cherished souvenirs is an extensive collection of her father’s watercolours and daughter Sue’s paintings; replicas of English fields of bluebells and Canadian cardinals; numerous hard cover family/friends photo albums (particularly those of her great grandchildren).  A café mocha was always a welcome gift from visitors! She was a gracious lady who never lost her English accent, nor her love for all things British. ​

In an interview with Rosalie MacEachern for the New Glasgow News in 2018, Edwina reflected on her life in Britain and Canada.  She concluded that she didn’t think of herself as particularly English or Canadian.    “I think I’m just who I am.”

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Chris Elliot, the staff of East River Manor and Glen Haven Manor, Angus Funeral Home and her cherished friends who enriched her life.

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Cremation has taken place.

A Service of Celebration of Life and Thanksgiving, followed by a Reception will be held  on Thursday, July, 25, 2019 at 3 pm at H.W. Angus Funeral Home Chapel, the family will receive friends from 2 pm until the time of the service at 3 pm

Internment will be​ in Christ Church cemetery, Stellarton.

Family flowers only. If desired, donations may be made to ​a charity of your choice.

www.angusfuneralhomes.com

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