HORRICKS, Edith Ann Elsie
Edith Ann Elsie was born on June 9, 1925 to Charles and Elsie Hersey.She was born in Springfield, New Brunswick. In 1928, at three years of age, Edith traveled by train to Alberta with her parents, two brothers and maternal grandparents. Her father rented land and worked hard to make a living by farming. Edith attended Cotswold School until grade eight. While living at the Eastburg farm Edith and her brother Harry made a trapeze bar in the trees right in front of the living room window. They enjoyed doing crazy stunts on it… poor mother! In 1937 Edith lost her oldest brother James when he was just 15 years old. Growing up Edith had chores to do like hauling wood and water, berry picking, feeding chickens and helping her mother with housework. Edith and Harry enjoyed skating in the winter.
The family moved to a farm near Pickardville and Edith completed grade nine at Trails End School. After finishing school Edith stayed home for a year helping wherever needed. Her dad became ill while they were living at the Pickardville farm and he passed away in 1943. Her brother Harry bought a farm near Busby and moved the family there, Edith’s grandma, mother and herself.
Edith got a job working at the hospital in Westlock, she worked in the laundry department and lived in the dormitory at the top of the hospital. She worked there one winter then went back home for the summer to help on the farm. She returned to work at the hospital for a few months in the fall. Edith then got a job working for Dr.and Mrs. Kickham in Westlock doing housekeeping. She lived in their home and worked for them until she was married in 1947.
Edith and Robert Horricks knew each other as children in the community. Their interest in one another began at a dance at Hazel Bluff while Bob was on leave from the army. They had coffee at Clark’s café in Westlock and started to date. Bob would pick Edith from work and take her to the movie theatre. At the ages of 23 and 21 Robert and Edith were married on March 21, 1947, it was a beautiful day. Family was unable to attend, so they were married at the courthouse in Edmonton. They stayed in Edmonton for a few days as their honeymoon. Once married, they returned to the farm at Hazel Bluff where they lived for 60+ years. Their children arrived, Elsie May in 1948 and James Brian in 1950. The family grew and they were able to build a new house on the farm in 1963. Edith always worked alongside Bob on the farm. When the kids had grown, in 1967 they started going to Arizona in the winters. They made the trip 29 times over the years.
Edith found enjoyment in reading books, doing puzzles, playing cards and games, camping and visiting friends and neighbors. Bob and Edie continued to garden, make preserves and live on the farm into their 80’s. Their daughter Elsie and her husband Norm began renting the farm in the 1990”s. Elsie passed away in 2008, she is missed. In late 2009 Bob and Edie moved into their home in Westlock, where they have lived together until August of 2021. Since moving to Westlock they have enjoyed friendships made at the Seniors Drop in Centre and the Legion. Thank you to Dr.Keay,manyhomecare workers, Jessie Warwaryk, PatHersey and Jim and Sheila Horricks ,all working to give Bob and Edie the opportunity to stay in their ownhome as long as possible.
Edith spent afew months in the hospital in Westlock. Bob was close behind her, when they were well enough their Doctor kindly got them into a room together. In order to stay together they moved to Extendicare in Athabasca in November 2021.
Edith passed away early on the morning of Dec.20, 2021 at the age of 96 years. Bob and their son Jim were with her. She will be lovingly remembered and missed by her husband Robert (Bob) Horricks of 74 ¾years, her son Jim (Sheila) Horricks of Westlock, and son-in-law, Norm (Barb) Nadeau. Her eight grandchildren, Rob, Rachelle, Dave, Mike, Carmen, Theresa, Brian and Wesley.Twenty-two great-grandchildren and eleven great-great-grandchildren. Her sister-in-law Pat Hersey of Westlock and sister-in-law Mary Ash of Edmonton AB, as well as many dear relatives and friends.
Edith was predeceased by her brothers James and Harry Hersey, brothers-in-law, Harvey Ash and Don Horricks, sister-in-law Mae Horricks and her lovely daughter Elsie Nadeau.
Edie lived her entire life in the Westlock/Hazel Bluff area. She loved to have fun and spend time with family and friends. She was blessed to live in her own home with Bob until August of this year.
A memorial service was held on Thursday, Dec. 30, 2021 at 1 pm at the Westlock Funeral Home with Marjorie Steele officiating. Interment has taken place at Hazel Bluff.
The family wants to thank everyone in the community for their long time friendship and support to Robert and Edith. You are important to them.
Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family by visiting westlockfuneralhome.com
Westlock Funeral Home & Crematorium Ltd.
780-349-3474
