Edna Bailey

Edna Bailey nee Solanik passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Friday, July 28, 2023, at the age of 90 years.

She was predeceased by her loving husband, Gordon Bailey.

She will be dearly missed by her children: Sherry Bailey, Gwen Bailey, Jim and (Joy) Bailey, and Tybie and (Greg) Elenko.  Grandchildren and great grandchildren include Dallas and (Niels) Whitbraad, Evelyn, Jack; Tyler and (Devin) Doherty, Corbin, Dawson; Raelynn and (Mark) Reimer, Deklan, Ashton, Ender; Jenna and (Jason) Hildebrandt, Hanna, Benjamin; Brandi and (Josh) MacSween; Tyson and Jordan Elenko.

Edna’s surviving siblings are Loreen and (Richard) Loewen along with sister in laws Elaine Solanik, Isla Solanik and brother-in-law Winston Sproule. Deceased siblings are Eva and (George) Koronko, Vera Sproule, Jack Solanik and Ed Solanik.

Edna was born on May 1, 1933, in the farm home at Biggar Saskatchewan. Her parents, Annie (Tederoff) and John Solanik were both Russian immigrants to Canada and raised their family in the Hills of Biggar. Raised during the depression years, Edna often referred to her childhood family as “children of the dust”.

As a child, Edna loved the outdoors – winter or summer. She spent hours riding her pony, Queenie.  She would rather do outside chores than inside cooking or cleaning. In winter, Edna and her siblings remember sliding down the hills on a homemade sled. Their dad made a large round sled from cow manure and poured water over it to freeze it – including a rope to pull it back up the hill.

Edna walked with her siblings to Louvain School. They often stopped on the way home to splash in McKenzie Lake.

Edna was married to Gordon Bailey on June 1, 1952, in the Russian Baptist Church in Saskatoon.  The day was heavy with rain, and the reception that followed on the farm was a challenge. The dirt roads were muddy for travellers, the large tent that had been rented for the day leaked, and her dear sisters were soaking wet carrying food in and out from the house. However, the 19 year old bride was delighted to be marrying her best friend and often said that as she and Gordon had married young, they grew up together and learned life’s lessons together.

One of the richest life-changing experiences was the year that both Edna and Gordon came to a place in their lives where they acknowledged and trusted their lives to God, accepting the forgiveness of sin offered through Jesus Christ, and set their path on living based on the Word of God and His principles. For Edna, the decision came one evening while she was at the laundry mat in Saskatoon washing diapers, as her washing machine had broken down. As she had time to wait, she noticed a church directly across the street with a service going on. She attended the special meeting and God spoke to her heart to commit her ways completely. It was her greatest joy and surprise when she invited Gordon to attend one evening and he said yes, and it changed their lives forever.

From that moment on, they began to raise their family with the understanding of God’s love for each and every person. They began attending Ebenezer Baptist Church in Saskatoon and were taught by Pastor Bill and Barbara McLeod, who became life-long friends. The Canadian Revival had a great impact on Edna and Gordon when they later moved to Regina. Gordon worked with the Dept of Agriculture, and also became a lay preacher with Revival Fellowship. Edna looked after the guest suites at the Conference Centre. They made many friends with all those involved in the work.

Edna’s life came to a halt in December 1996 when Gordon passed away suddenly from a heart attack. She had the courage and strength from the Lord to carry on with life without her best friend.

Edna cared about people.  She enjoyed meeting and interacting with them. She was quick to identify with their needs and easily shared the love of Jesus with those she met.  It was Edna’s transparency and inquisitiveness that developed meaningful relationships and deep friendships.

Edna was a true prairie girl. She loved gardening, canning and finding the best bargain.

Edna was a problem solver.  And with every family problem, she addressed it with, “You should…”

In 2020, Edna moved to the Diamond House in Warman. Each Friday evening, she listened to the Gaither music program and found comfort and peace. One particular song that touched her heart was “The Heavenly Hills Are Calling Me Home.”  It reminded her of the hills of Biggar, where she grew up and it connected her to the hope of her heavenly home and seeing her loved ones once again.

Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, August 2nd, 2023, 2:00 p.m., at Martens Warman Funeral Home, 402 Central Street West, Warman, SK.

For those unable to attend, Edna’s service will be available to view online at https://funeraweb.tv/en/diffusions/77642

The slideshow can also be viewed at https://youtube.com/watch?v=Qhikw1YrR9k&feature=share

Martens Warman Funeral Home is honoured to be entrusted with the care and arrangements of Edna Bailey.