Edith Mary Williams

Edith Mary Williams (Granny) , 102, passed away in Coeur d Alene, Idaho on Wednesday, March 5 at Rose Terrace Cottages . She was 57 days shy of her 103rd birthday. Edith, the eldest of six children, was born on May 3, 1911 in Acme, Alberta, Canada to William and Rosie Williams. The family moved to Sandpoint, Idaho around 1921 when the long bridge was wood. The family had relocated to the Yakima Valley, Washington by 1930. Edith worked in the fruit harvest and canning industry, retiring from Ross Packing Company in 1971, when she moved back to Sandpoint. During the 1940’s Edith and her sister Bessie, got jobs at Boeing Industry in the Seattle area to aid with the war effort. Edith was a “Rosie the Riveter.” One of the Boeing jobs Edith did was for the delivery pool riding a bike with a basket on the front delivering mail and parts to different areas of the Boeing plant. This was as close to driving as she got; she never obtained a driver’s license or owned a car. Edith, along with a daughter and three grandchildren, moved to Sandpoint in December, 1971 to her South Boyer residence. Edith then became an in-home caregiver to Dorothy Phalon on Euclid Ave and joined the First Baptist Church. She was in the choir, taught Sunday and Bible school, and wrote Christian songs and poetry. Do It Now – written by Edith Williams in 1986 If you have watched another live and you have some praise to give, Give it now. If you’ve delayed to say, I love you to a loved one who is near you, Say I love you now. If you’ve a job to do to help another, especially if he is your brother, Do it now. If a call you’ve put off making to another sick or ailing, Visit now. If you’ve failed to say I’m sorry when you’ve hurt or wronged another, Say I’m sorry now. If a prayer you should be praying for a loved one who is straying, Pray it now. If you have a song to sing, that may some joy to others bring, Sing it now. Tomorrow is another day, That may never come their way. If you’ve something good to say, Say it now. In 1991, she moved to Sandpoint’s Oak Street to live with her grandson and his family in an attached apartment built especially for her. She always talked fondly of this time as she was with her great-grandsons every day, taught Sunday school and on Wednesday nights, was an AWANA leader for the church. She was “Granny” to all the friends of the extended family, and provided many after school snacks to the children’s friends. In 2000, she moved with the family to Coeur d Alene and enjoyed watching Star Trek TV shows and movies, WWE wrestling and playing games with the great-grandsons and their friends. Her gaming name was “Bad Granny.” In 2010, she became the matriarch of five generations when her great-great granddaughter, Brielle was born. In May, 2011, her 100th birthday celebration was attended by family and friends at Rose Terrace Cottages even though she swore she was only 97. Edith is survived by daughter Barbara Scott of Sandpoint; grandchildren Bruce(Kelly) Menard of Springfield, Illinois; Renee (Greg) Blythe of Coeur d’Alene; Lisa (Ray) Brown of Quartzsite, Arizona, Michelle Dannenhoffer of Melbourne. Florida; six great-grandchildren, Adrian (Angie) Menard of Olympia, Washington, Dante Menard of Coeur d’Alene; Malia Brown of Yuma, Arizona, Amanda Brown of Mesa, Arizona, Jonathan and Matthew Dannenhoffer of Melbourne, Florida; great-great granddaughter, Brielle Menard of Olympia, Washington, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings Mabel, James, Blanche, Marion and Bessie and daughter Joann Meyer. Private burial services are at Pinecrest Memorial Park Cemetery in Sandpoint under the direction of Coffelt Funeral Services. A celebration of life will be held later this spring. The family thanks Rose Terrace Cottages of Coeur d’ Alene and Hospice of North Idaho for Edith’s care and support.