OCTOBER 4, 1933 – JUNE 15, 2023

On Thursday, June 15th, 2023, at Extendicare Peterborough, Edna passed into the presence of her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ in her 90th year.

Beloved wife of the late John Norris Leslie Conboy (2008) and much loved by all of her children and their partners, all of her grandchildren, and her great grandchildren and her grand dog.

Edna was born October 5, 1933 to Herbert and Francis (Franky) (McKeown) Solmes and grew up in Springbrook, Ontario. She is predeceased by siblings Roy, Thomas and John Solmes and dear in-laws, Ray Conboy, Ray Beaudrie, Harold Hopkins, Len Pipher, and Betty Solmes.

Survived by dear sister, Helen Cathcart and her two McKeown cousins, Jack and Paul and Edear in-laws, Patricia Solmes, Carole Solmes, Joan Pipher, Kay Hopkins, Carol and Denis Lalonde, and Carol Pleizier and many many nieces and nephews.

Edna met Norris at youth group in Belleville and they married in April 2, 1955. They moved to Oshawa/Courtice and built a home on Prestonvale Road in 1956 where they filled the bedrooms with kids and stayed for 33 years and enjoyed wonderful neighbours and rural country life.

They enjoyed their boys involvement in hockey, they travelled Ontario with their house trailer most summers and enjoyed time camping with both their families. Edna loved her work as a part time Teacher’s Aid at Grandview Treatment Centre and what a perfect fit for that job she was.

She spent many hours outside in her flower beds as her green thumbs put her to work and that came easy to her.

She loved cats but was allergic to them so she settled with the next best thing, the dogs. When they moved from Prestonvale Road over to Hancock Road they enjoyed more great neighbours and took ownership of a beautiful border collie who they thought would be better looked after at their home. His name was Josh.

After Josh, came Holly. Edna looked after her three grandchildren as much as she could and enjoyed every bit of it. Edna and Norris enjoyed Antique Car tours in their 64 Ford Falcon convertible after retirement, and Edna volunteered at Bible for Missions when time permitted.

Mom’s gift of faith in Christ came to her early in life and was an integral part of her identity. She was an encourager to many and a prayer warrior. God’s grace and the love of her family sustained her through the trials of life.

Her attendance record at Trull’s Road Free Methodist church was second to none.

She loved her church family like no other. Our entire family is very appreciative for the loving and supportive direct care staff at Edna’s nursing home, especially, Sheena and her tireless teammate Tasha and many others who showed her respect and understanding in her last two years.

We may not know the names of all the others that cared for Edna but Edna was touched by your support. Special thanks to Pauline, who always made her look and feel beautiful and to the unsung heroes like the dietary staff, the cleaning crew and the folks that did their best with every activity offered.

Special mention and grand thank you to Edna’s niece, Cindy (Conboy) Newman for being the best back up Essential Caregiver a girl could have. During the last 3 years, Cindy stepped up and helped with Edna’s care through some of the toughest times.

Visitation will take place Tuesday, June 20th from 4 pm – 8 pm at COURTICE FUNERAL CHAPEL , 1587 Highway 2, Courtice. A service of remembrance will take place on Wednesday, June 21 in the Trull’s Road Free Methodist Church at 2 pm. Interment will be held at Bowmanville Cemetery.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at courticefuneralchapel.com .

In lieu of flowers, donations to Mom’s favourite charity (Bible for Missions) or CNIB guide dogs would be appreciated by the family.

Absent from the body, at home with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:8 .