Edythe Marion Birkett (née Chisholm)

August 15, 2025 - Our beautiful Mom, Ede, Grandma, GiGi, passed peacefully in her sleep in her 90th year. Loving wife to Charlie W. Birkett for 49 years until his passing in 2007. Sister to Mary; and was predeceased by sisters, Alice and Norma. Wonderful mother to Norma (Marc), Cathy (Philip), Gail, Chas (Kirsteen), and Chris (Christine). Grandmother to Katie, Sarah, Jenny (Mike), Michael, Kelly, Michelle (Tony), Nicole, Emily (Mario), Charlie (Skye), Daniel, Nathan, Caleb, and Justin. Great-Grandmother to Chase, Jude, Cooper, McKenna, and Naomi. Loved by many nieces and nephews and their own growing families.

In recent years, Mom became known for the umbrella hat she wore while swimming between cottages on Gull Lake. Bright red and white with a Canadian flag, it was more than just a quirky accessory - it seemed to capture her spirit. Like the hat's panels, her life was made up of distinct chapters of interest, all held together under the constant shelter of the cottage on Gull Lake.

Mom was born and raised in west Toronto, where she attended the Annette Street Public School and then Runnymede High School, where she would meet Charlie.

In 1957, she married Charlie and moved to Maple, Ontario. Children soon followed (three girls in 30 months!) and Mom and Dad made a life for 20 years in Maple, with two more children and many evenings and weekends spent on baseball diamonds and in arenas.

The Maple years were interrupted by a year-long sailing adventure on the Maple Gander, a 35-foot catamaran that we sailed down the US eastern seaboard, across to the Bahamas and onward to the Caribbean. It was a great family adventure that placed many demands on Mom. With five young kids and a dog, Mom lead us, not only in daily life, but also as our school teacher. The trip continues to provide strong family memories and we are all appreciative of Mom's support for Dad's sense of adventure and looking out for us all.

In 1979, Mom and Dad renovated an old farmhouse in Kettleby. Mom became a reluctant farmer, as heavy machinery and sheep became a part of everyday life. It started with just a couple of sheep. And a ram. In what seemed like moments, there were over 200 sheep on the acreage.

In a relief from farmstead life, Mom and Dad moved to Franklin, Tennessee, to spend the last part of Dad's career, with Mom embedding herself in the church and neighbourhood community. The Tennessee Elf was a highlight for visiting grandchildren, who loved the small toys and treats that it left, only to be found on a deep hunt throughout the house.

Mom and Dad retired to Hilton Head in 2002. The Tennessee Elf also retired, but was replaced by the Hilton Head Alligator. He was a key feature of their home, delighting the many grandchildren and other visitors who would come to enjoy the beaches and warm weather.

Throughout the many chapters of Mom's life, the one constant was simply known as "The Cottage," which now encompasses eight cottages and over 80 people that call Gull Lake their favourite summer scene. It was at Gull Lake in the late 1930s that Mom's earliest memories formed, as her family of six (four girls!) rented a cottage in Sandy Bay. Her parents, seeking to own and set summer roots, purchased a property on Landside Trail, where the Birkett, Oakes, and Forrest families developed rich family bonds and traditions. The Chisholm clan continued to grow, and Mom's place became a gathering spot for many family get-togethers. Kawartha Dairy Ice-Cream was always a central feature and Mom eventually started purchasing ice cream in the 12-litre tub format. Mom's cottage also became a prime haunt for three key attractions: her Tickle Trunk, which kids (and sometimes adults!) enjoyed, dressing in the various costumes and masks she had collected; her Rooster, which was a cookie jar that would emit a rooster call when it was opened; and an open offer for beer and Ice Cream, even at 10 a.m. when dropping by for morning coffee on her lakeside deck. It was an amusing offer, and there were even occasional takers.

Our Mom lived life well, with kindness, warmth, love, laughter, and unending optimism. And she departed with grace after enjoying a month at the cottage, catching up with her great big family who loved her so dearly. She will be missed by many.

Mom has been cremated, and a private Celebration of Life will be held by her family.