Edna Katherine Single

            On June 1, 1930, in a small farm house in Waldersee MB, Edna Katherine Mauthe was born.

            She was the eldest of 7 children, all but one of whom were born at home with the assistance of the local midwife. Being the eldest, Edna took on the role of being the chief assistant to her mother in the raising of the other children and when her mom took sick, Edna was the one who kept things running smoothly.

            Edna attended school at Maitland, and as was customary at the time, finished her schooling with grade 8.  She continued to work at home for a couple of years, and then went to Winnipeg for a year to work in a pharmacy.  But while the city was filled with new experiences, Waldersee was always home, and to it Edna returned.

            She married Arnold Single in 1951, and together they raised a family of 4 sons: Dennis (Peggy), Ron (Marlene), Keith (Joanne) and Mark (Shawna).  Grandchildren were the light of her life, and for Janelle (Jonathan), Whitney, Alanna, Matthew, Tristan and Leah, numerous birthday cakes were made, with home sewn Christmas flannel pajamas and special blankets a staple. Great grandchildren, Jayten and Jeslyn were welcome additions to her family and Edna was always delighted when the entire family came home to visit.

            Waldersee is not a large town, but it held all the joy that Edna ever wanted. She and Arnold ran the local hardware and grocery stores for years, and nothing was too much trouble for her to try and find.  She knew which clients shopped at what time, and what they all liked.  Her gardens, both vegetable and flowers, were prolific, and any food that was grown, was either frozen or canned.  There was never any reason to go hungry at her home, as the cold storage room was always filled with canned goods.  Her grandchildren loved her canning; pickles and peaches were the favourites – a quart would quickly disappear in one sitting….and there always would be a care package they would leave with after their visits.

          While her family brought her great joy (or we like to think we did!) her faith brought her strength and hope.  While still a young woman, Edna was confirmed in the local Lutheran Church (the service was in German). She went on to play the organ for the church for decades as well as at many weddings and funerals.  Singing in the choir, women’s groups, making baby layettes, bible studies and looking after the flowers and paraments at the church all brought her a sense of contribution to her faith community.  She also was an active member of GlenVilla seniors group – where at potlucks folks would often say – “here comes Edna’s kitchen”.

            For some, travels further afield, and big holidays are what bring them joy.  For Edna, it was simply, Waldersee.  In later years, she resided in Country Meadows, but her face would light up when anyone would mention Waldersee.  Her roots ran deep, both to the town, and to God.  The week before she died, she made one final trip to the place that had shaped her.  She made one final entrance into the church, where she had worshipped for decades.  It was all she wanted.

            On July 4th, at the age of 91, Edna Katherine (Mauthe) Single passed away.  She died surrounded by the love of Jesus Christ, and the grace of God.  Her family miss her now, and will miss her in the future, but they rejoice that for her, there is no more suffering, no more struggle.  She is with the one who has known her since she was born, who walked with her all her days, and who has welcomed her home in death.   Thanks be to God.

            In addition to her 4 sons and their families, she is survived by her sisters, Doreen (Norm) Fox, Gertie Chipka, brothers Ernest, and Arnold (Irene), sister-in-law Agnes Mohr (Jack).  As well as many very special nieces & nephews that she loved visiting with. 

            She was predeceased by her parents Adolph & Frieda Mauthe, husband Arnold (1999), her sister, Sharon Scrupa & brother Edwin Mauthe. In laws Jack & Katherine Single, Bob & Alma Single, Margaret Mauthe, Steve Scrupa, Doreen Mauthe & Barry Chipka.

             For those that wish to send cards to The Single Family, you may mail them to; Box 3, Gladstone, MB, R0J 0T0.

             Flowers are gratefully declined. if desired, donations can be made to the charities listed below or to a charity of one's choice.