November 19, 1936 – July 20, 2023
at the age of 86 years:     

Edwina Kurta, age 86, of Salmon Arm, BC (formerly Clearwater and Kamloops), passed away peacefully on July 20, 2023 at the Mt Ida Mews retirement home in Salmon Arm.

Edwina was born in Salmon Arm, BC and grew up on the dairy farm owned and run by her parents Bruce and Edna Aten.  Her favourite pastime growing up was riding her horse Silver and she was often seen galloping across the field standing on Silver’s back.  After attending UBC and attaining a degree in Home Economics, Edwina settled in Kamloops where she and her husband John raised their family.  Edwina taught high school home economics before leaving teaching and becoming a partner/operator of Anderson’s Sewing Centre. Edwina and John moved to Clearwater in 1997 and then back to their hometown Salmon Arm in 2017.

When inside, Edwina enjoyed reading, sewing and creating beautiful cross-stitch pictures.  When outside, she was gardening, horseback riding, hunting, fishing (her favourite pastime) or camping with family or friends down some bumpy backroad. Much time was also spent at ‘the farm’ in the upper Clearwater Valley, where Edwina and John eventually built their retirement home. 

Though Edwina was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at age 60, it did not stop her from travelling and doing all the things she loved well into her late 70s – her fight was fierce to delay as long as possible each stage of mobility loss.

Edwina’s contributions to community included many years with the Heart and Stroke Foundation in Kamloops.  In Clearwater she was involved with Friends of Wells Gray and the Upper Clearwater Community Hall. Edwina and John also donated private land to The Land Conservancy to support the development of the Clearwater Wetland project, which was John’s vision in the early 70’s when they purchased land in the Upper Clearwater valley – with this, Edwina and John have left a legacy that will continue to be expanded for wildlife connectivity.

Things that we will always remember about Edwina – Ever present positive outlook on life.  Patience.  Common saying ‘that’s just the way it is’. The handywoman of the house.  Passion for fishing and exploring many small lakes with John.  Unconditional love of her husband, children and grandkids.  Generosity and willingness to help family and friends. 

Edwina was pre-diseased by her husband John (2019) and brothers Jerry (2019) and Bill (2017).  Left to honour Edwina and to remember her love and passion for life are her three children Sheryle (Neil) Campbell, Sandra (Chris Greenaway) Sulyma and Jim (Charlotte) Kurta, her grandchildren Devon, Emma and Keean Campbell, Joel and Emily Sulyma and Anni and Sam Kurta, and her sister Mary Rollier. 

On Sunday August 13, the family invites friends and family to celebrate Edwina’s life by coming by anytime between 1:00 to 3:00 pm for tea/coffee/snacks and to visit and reminisce at Mt Ida Hall, 5421- 70th St. SW, Salmon Arm. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Land Conservancy (http://conservancy.bc.ca/), directed to the Clearwater Ancient Swamp and Wildlife Corridor Campaign (which will serve to connect to the land that Edwina and John have previously donated) or MS Canada (https://mscanada.ca/)