Edna Elizabeth (Dronfield) Boyle

Passed away peacefully following complications from a stroke at the Ottawa Civic Hospital on Sunday, November 7, 2021, at the age of 92.

Predeceased by her husband Ernie, subsequent partner Bill Watcher, parents Herbert and Nancy Dronfield, sister Edith Gollinger (Terry) and nieces Judi (Jim), Maureen (Ray) and nephew Terry (May). Will be sadly missed by surviving nieces Nancy (Brien), Trish (Walter), Colleen (Joe), Kathy (Ron), 17 great and 24 great great nieces and nephews and many neighbours and friends. 

Edna was born and raised in Cornwall, Ontario. She met and married Ernie at the age of 19 and moved from Toronto to Dwyer Hill in 1958 to help support Edith, a widow raising her 7 children in Carleton Place. She worked in a supervisory role for the federal government, as a dental hygienist and in the service industry at different times in her life. Edna and Ernie lived and farmed at Dwyer Hill for a number of years and enjoyed living on the Mississippi Lake. She moved to Carleton Place following Ernie’s death in 1998.

Edna… “Auntie Edna” was a very loving, kind and caring person who was always there to help and care for her many friends and family. She lived life to the fullest and brought love and joy into the lives of all she met. Edna participated in a variety of activities; cards (euchre and cribbage), bingo, dancing, listening to country music, decorating for special celebrations and watching and listening to her favorite baseball and hockey teams play on TV or the radio. Edna was known for her family gatherings, which always included her legendary homemade lemon pies.

She maintained regular daily exercise throughout her life. In later years, she walked daily to the Carleton Place Market Square to visit the memorial stones of her mother and sister. She also spent time walking along the Mississippi River.

Edna was passionate about writing and decorating cards to her friends and family for all special occasions or just to keep in touch. She loved cats and was known to take in strays or help friends with caring for their cats.

Auntie Edna was truly one of a kind. In fact, she defined what that meant with her sparkling eyes, boundless energy, engaging sense of humour and her delightfully saucy manner. That wonderful loving light has gone out. The world is a sadder and less bright place without her.

The family would like to thank all the staff at the Ottawa Civic Hospital for their exceptional care, compassion and support during her stay.

A heartfelt thanks to Dory Ann and Ernie Nolan

who acted as her surrogate family for so many years.

For those who wish, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Edna’s name to St. Mary’s Catholic Church or the Royal Canadian Legion Branch # 192.

A private family burial service will be held at St. Clare Parish at Dwyer Hill.

Arrangements entrusted to Alan R. Barker Funeral Home, Carleton Place.