Tribute

Edith passed away peacefully at McKinney Place on Sunday January 25, 2015 with her friend Joy by her side.  She was born on June 10, 1919.

Edith was predeceased by her husband Lewy Rienhart in 1979. Lewy and Edith were married on May 22, 1940 at the United Church manse in Vancouver. She had no siblings and no children.

Her parents Stephen and Betsy Ann Barritt came to Oliver in 1921 from Farnworth, Lancashire, England, because little Edith needed the dry climate for her breathing. This treatment must have worked, as she lived 93 of her 95 years in Oliver. Stephen worked on the Ditch as a World War I veteran. They started an orchard near Road 7, and Edith went to school in Fairview and Oliver.

Edith is survived by her deceased cousins’ families: by Norman Allyn and Alistair Allyn of Vancouver and their brothers Tom and Gary of Ontario, all sons of cousin Noelle Tims (d); and by sisters Debi and Diane of Frankford, Ontario, both daughters of cousin Barney Crook (d), and all their families.

Edith is lovingly remembered by her childhood friend Janet Berry and her daughter Louise; and by former neighbour and good friend Patricia Odowes Taft. Her many long-time friends included “the birthday celebrators” at McKinney Place: Margaret Green, Joan Potter, Fred and Dorothy Tomlin, and Bob and Trish Ellis.

In the 1970s, Edith volunteered at the Oliver Chronicle and also worked at the Oliver Archives. She was a life member of the Oliver & District Heritage Society. With her interest in photography, she captured many pioneer scenes of Oliver on her Brownie. Her photos and historical belongings have been donated to the Museum and Archives.

Edith enjoyed horseback riding, boating on Skaha Lake and travelling to California with Lewy, and travelling to England with her cousin Violet of Summerland.

She will be missed by those who knew her passionate opinions and keen interest in preserving Oliver’s history.

Donations to the Oliver & District Heritage Society or the SOSS Enrichment Fund would be greatly appreciated.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, January 30 at 1:30 p.m. at St. Edward’s Anglican Church, the Rev. Patrick Reid officiating. A light reception will follow, as will burial in the Oliver Municipal Cemetery.

Thank you to the caring staff at McKinney Place and at Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Service.

Condolences and tributes may be directed to the family by visiting www.nunes-pottinger.com

Arrangements entrusted to Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Service & Crematorium, Oliver & Osoyoos.