EATON (née Rive), Edith Jane
5 June 1947 – 20 September 2022
The family is sad to announce the death of Edie Jane after a short illness.
Edie Jane began her adventurous life at a very young age, having sailed twice across the Pacific and crossed Canada by train three times all before the age of six. Born in New Zealand, where she lived till she was six, she grew up in Kingston, Ontario and Dublin, Ireland, and finally settled in the Gatineau Valley.
From geologist to racing car driver, manager of ski clubs to travel organizer, Edie Jane’s life spanned her interests and passions. She trained as a Feldenkrais practitioner, discovering the philosophy that satisfied her scientific curiosity and spiritual belief. This led her to animal work as a TTouch teacher, where she found her real gift and passion. She was an inspiration to many and had an impact on people’s lives all over the world.
Edie Jane will be missed by so many. She was energetic, enthusiastic, caring and sometimes outrageous. Whatever piqued her interest she would delve into - nothing was too big or too small, no animal too injured to be cared for. She would always try to help anyone in pain or discomfort. Living in the country, always with rescued dogs, cats and horses, much of her life at home revolved around them. Her garden was her pride and joy; binoculars in hand she loved watching the hummingbirds at her feeders or bluebirds in the fields.
Her biggest gift in the last few years was helping look after her neighbour and friend Diederik’s granddaughter, Sabine. Coming into “motherhood” at a rather advanced age opened her eyes to a child’s wonder, they were a gift to each other.
Edie Jane leaves her sister Hallie (Bill Appel), brothers Elias and John (Jeanette), six nephews and nieces, close friend Diederik Bellaar Spruyt and Sabine Bellaar Spruyt.
Friends are invited to join the family in celebrating her life at the McGarry Memorial Chapel, 176 Route105, Wakefield, Quebec, on Friday October 7th, at 2pm. The family will receive guests from 1pm. (Masks are preferred.)
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to organizations close to Edie Jane’s heart such as animal rescue centers and shelters or to the Canadian Cancer Society.