Edith Anne (Kidd) Bustard

In loving memory of

Edith Anne Bustard (nee Kidd)

February 8, 1925 – November 4, 2021

Our beloved mother, Edith Bustard, joyfully departed for Heaven surrounded by her family on Thursday, November 4, 2021 at the age of 96 years.

Edith was born to James and Margaret Kidd on February 8th, 1925. The sixth child in a family of 9, Edith was raised in a close Scottish clan on a southern Saskatchewan farm during the “Dirty Thirties”. The “Kidd kids” were known for their optimism, hard work, fun-loving sense of humour and loving support of each other. As a child, Edith especially enjoyed reading, puzzles, outdoor activities, card and board games.

Edith attended the one room Brookside School, graduating from Grade 12 with a 98% average, thereby winning the Governor General’s Academic award. A few months later, Edith accepted the position of teacher for the Brookside school, preparing classes for students ranging from Grade 1 to Grade 10. Choosing to assist with the war effort, Edith then joined her sisters, Marion and Marjorie to serve in the WAC (Women’s Army Core) in Ottawa. After the war, she trained as an RN at the Saskatoon General Hospital. Concurrent with graduating as a nurse in 1950, Edith’s mother was diagnosed with advanced bone cancer so she returned home to care for her mother until her death in May 1951.

Planning to serve God as an RN overseas, Edith enrolled in the two-year Missions course with the United Church Training School in downtown Toronto. After completing the first year, Edith was sent to Matheson’s Rosedale Memorial Hospital to assist for the summer.

In May 1952, soon after arriving in Matheson, Edith was introduced to Ross Bustard. It was a match truly made in Heaven! After a whirlwind romance, Ross and Edith were married on November 15th 1952 and  teamed up to raise the eight children that followed:  Margaret (d 1974), Nancy (Scott Cruickshank), Robert (Rodica), John (Myrna), Janice (Bob Goulet), Sharon (Elias Nascimento), Bill (Pamela) and Stuart (Parin). Edith’s home is a favourite meeting place for the grandchildren – Jason (Brenna), Rebecca, Timothy (Zoe) and Jamie; Camellia , Candace, Emma and Isabella; Bethany (Jason), James (Meghan); Emily (Matt); Jonathan, Katelyn, and Karine; Juliana, Sheila and William; Joshua (Victoria) and Brandon; as well as her 12 great-grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by her many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends from around the world.

Although Edith never lost her love for the Prairie “Big Sky”, she quickly embraced life in Matheson. Edith was well known for the warmth of her hospitality; abundance of her garden; prize winning bread at the Fall Fair; heirloom knitted baby outfits and inspiring children even into her mid 80’s, whether as their Sunday School teacher or a volunteer reading tutor at JHKPS.  Edith earned the honour of lifetime member of the United Church Women after decades of assisting with rummage sales and church dinners. At Evangel Family Church she was a regular coordinator and participant in prayer meetings, Bible studies, and fundraisers. Edith’s greatest ministry however was to her family and Clan. As she sat in her comfy recliner, Bible open on her lap and hands lifted in prayer, Edith prayed for each of her Clan – children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends and more!  

At this time the Bustard Clan would like to thank Taylor Paquette, VON and Sally Howson, Care Partners for the excellent nursing care and support provided to Mom in her home. Thank you also to Pastor Keith Neal and his wife, Joanne as well as Evangel Family Church for providing spiritual encouragement. And an extra special thank you to Sharon, Elias, Juliana, Sheila and William for ensuring Mom could experience her dream of living life fully in her farmhouse.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Evangel Family Church, Matheson and Teen Challenge Northern Ontario, Sault Ste Marie.

The visitations will be held at the Evangel Family Church, 473 Poplar Road in Matheson on Sunday November 7th, 2021 from 7 pm to 9 pm. And on Monday November 8th, 2021 from 10 am followed by the Funeral Service at 11 am. Interment to be held at the Hillcrest Cemetery in Matheson. ***Covid 19 restrictions in place  ***

Please use link below to participate in the live streaming of the Funeral Service:

***Covid 19 restrictions in place  ***

Everyone attending Funeral mass or visitation must wear a suitable mask at all times.
Visits will take place in rotation in order to respect public health instructions and social distancing is required at all times.
The maximum number of people allowed at the same time in the church is 90 people