Edith Ruth Irene Docking

Obituary

Passed on June 6, 2024

With broken hearts we announce the passing of our beloved Mother, Grandma, Nana, Sister, Aunt and friend Edith Ruth Irene Docking.

She was born July 27,1929 in the RM of Elton to Elizabeth (Bessie) and Harry Hickson who came to Canada from England. She was 7th of 10 children and is survived by her loving sister Betty Witter (Bill) and sisters-in-law Gwen and Gail Hickson and cousin Helen James.

She is predeceased by her husband Bill, parents and siblings: Mabel & George, Evelyn & Alf, Ivy & Joe, Ernie, Don & Elaine, Connie & Jock, Ken, and in-laws Lily and Melvin Docking who she has really missed, especially lately.

In grade 8 she met the love of her life, Edward William Docking (Bill). While in grade 10, she taught many grades in a one room school! Next she held a job at Patmores in Brandon, launching her career in secretarial work, which allowed her to save up for a beautiful traditional wedding dress – the first one of its kind worn at Forrest United Church. Forbidden from marrying by her dad until her 20th birthday, she waited three days to wear it, marrying Bill on July 30, kicking off 73 wonderful years together. The Docking clan welcomed her with open arms.

Brother-in-law Wayne and Michelle Docking and sisters-in-law Joyce Holman, Hazel Dal Bello, and Doreen Docking mourn her passing the same as they did Clair, Arlene and Barry. After their wedding, railway life began in Fort William where Ede worked as a Church secretary. The CN moved them many times around Ontario but enduring friends were made. Their 3 daughters Pat, Karen and Elaine arrived, starting a lifelong journey of being an amazing, supportive and incredible mother. Ede’s many nieces and nephews were all extremely special to her – she was always interested in their lives and when their parents passed, she was like second Grandma to them. Bill and Ede then moved to Winnipeg and built their first home on Vimy Road. While Bill continued with the railway, Ede worked at the Kirkfield Municipal Office and the Bank of Nova Scotia.

They were very community minded, volunteering and joining groups like the Optimists and Kirkfield United Church. Dreaming of a bigger home, they built it on Belcourt Bay, befriending the neighbors. During this time she enjoyed joining Crane Supply. Ede supported Bill in his next dream of owning a cattle ranch and farming until their pensions were used up!!! Building their beautiful home on the April Acres in Gunton offered more chances to be great volunteers: Ag Society where Ede spearheaded the first Pumpkinfest, Teulon United Church Women, the Food Bank and the Hospital Auxiliary to name a few, all on top of working in administration at the Hunter Memorial Hospital. They tried their hand at being restaurateurs, owning The Kin, showcasing her great baking and cooking and forging more valuable friendships.

Even with these many interests, her main focus was on supporting her daughters, giving them more wonderful lives than anyone could wish for. As the girls married, their husbands (Tom Hammell, Bill Hutchinson, Hervig Ronovsky, Ralph Martin and Kevin Kendall) became true sons. The arrival of grandchildren signaled the most enjoyable phase of life – Ede attended every game, school play, concert and recital, making sure to teach all grandchildren to make cookies and the famous “Grandma buns”, which everyone looked forward to a giant birthday one each year.

Motor home, houseboat and other holiday trips were once in a lifetime experiences for both the happy Grandparents and the Grandkids. Friday Night party night with talent shows on the fireplace hearth and Sunday night roast beef dinners created special bonds for all the grandkids – Steven & Sean Hammell, Jeff, Danny & Scott Hutchinson, Brennen and Chantel Ronovsky (Dodgson), who will all deeply miss her. Just like the generation before them, their spouses (Melody Hammell, Sabina Hutchinson, Beth Hutchinson, Meredith Hutchinson, Kyle Dodgson, and Chelsy Hammell) became cherished grandchildren too.

As they aged and slowed down, Bill and Ede gave up the farm and enjoyed town life in Teulon, enjoying growing a big garden, canning and freezing. Downsizing again to the suite at #8 brought a new set of friends as the fun of GREAT grandchildren!! She was a loving Nana to Sofia and Amelia Hutchinson, Nhien and Ainsleigh Hutchinson, Benjamin, Beatrice and Blythe Hammell, Aubrey Hutchinson, MacElroy & Everley Dodgson, Delaney & Myles Hammell. She cherished every visit, video call, and receiving items in the mail.

Thank you to Dr Loudon and homecare for the great care in Teulon. With deteriorating health it was necessary to take advantage of the resources available at The Shaftesbury, and then RestHaven in Steinbach. Thanks to the caring and dedicated staff at both locations. She will be greatly missed and never forgotten.

Rest in peace–you are home

A gathering to honour her life will be held in August.

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