Obituary

In Loving Memory of

Edythe Markstad-Buchnan

of Edmonton
Jul 20, 1921 - Jul 22, 2011

 

Our beloved Edy passed away at the age of 90 in the intensive care unit at the University of Alberta Hospital after a brief battle with cancer. Her husband Don Buchanan and niece Jan Fraser were with her until the end. Edy was born in Elk Point, Alberta, to Charles and Blanche Markstad, as one of seven sisters. Edy is survived by her husband, Don Buchanan; Don’s children: Glen, Ellen and Alice; sister Ida Fraser; nieces and nephews: Evelyn (Dean) Caskey, Mark (Lynne) Fraser, Jan Fraser (Jud Welliver), Marilyn (Geoff) Phipps, Beverly (Gordon) Jaremko, Heather (Andrew) Jaremko; cousins Ruth and John McCrae; as well as other relatives and friends. Edy was predeceased by her parents; her Uncle Dr. Murray MacDonald; sisters: Doris, Ila, Esther, Mildred, Hattie, and Alta Edy was a talented watercolour artist, fashion designer, inventor, pianist and composer of songs. Edy was dedicated to her career as a public health nurse. She began her career at the University Hospital in 1944 and organized the first Staff Health Services Department. She made house calls to staff who were sick at home and was given the use of the hospital’s only car for this purpose. Edy was instrumental in developing and managing outpatient clinics and improving patient education. She demonstrated her belief that quality professional nursing is essential to health care, and set high standards for herself, students, and her colleagues. After retirement, she especially enjoyed trips to Maui with Don. Edy devoted her life to others and left a great legacy for others to follow. She has left the world a much better place. The family greatly appreciates the dedicated work of stations 3C4 and 5G2 at the U of A, Dr. Carlson, Chaplin Oscar, and the support of her many friends. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made directly to the University of Alberta Hospital Foundation, Donor Office – Room 1H1.91, WMC, 8440 – 112 Street, N.W., Edmonton, AB T6G 2B7