Obituary of Edna McDowell

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Edna May McDowell (nee Malette) at her home in Portage-du-Fort on July 30, 2024.

Edna and her twin sister Eva were born to parents Joseph and Beatrice (nee  Manwell) Malette at their home in Portage-du-Fort on May 2, 1927. She is survived by her brother, Ted, sister’s-in-law Margaret and Phyllis as well as many nieces and nephews.

Edna is predeceased by her husband, Eldon “Buster” McDowell; her twin sister, Eva Brinkworth (née Malette); her sister, Ramona; as well as her brothers: Joseph (Joe), Donald and Randolph (Ron).

After schooling, Edna began her work-life as a teacher in a one-room schoolhouse in Charteris, Quebec. She loved telling the story of teaching seven grades in the school, recalling the names of some of the families, as well as room and boarding at a home that is still standing close to the school. Edna moved on to work for the Government of Canada in an administrative role until retirement. She knew Buster through school and they eventually married. They lived in Ottawa, Edna working for the Government and Buster employed with Shell Canada, until retirement. In 2008, they relocated to a home in Portage-du-Fort, closer to Edna’s family.

There is no one singular word that can describe Edna. To say that she was a generous, proper, witty, stubborn, kind, petite, sharp, and loving woman to all who knew her, is only scratching the surface. Fiercely independent, Edna lived in and maintained her home with immaculate care, and was still happy to host her family for dinner, drinks, and laughs. She was a proud woman who cherished her family dearly, leaving a lasting and profound impression on all of her surviving nephews, nieces, great-nephews, great- nieces, and beyond.

As per Edna’s request, there will be no service or visitation.