Our beloved Mother, Edna Harder Mattson, entered God’s glorious kingdom to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on January 4, 2026. She was welcomed into His presence by her husband, James (Jim) Mattson, parents; William and Katherine Harder, sisters; Judy Harder and Sylvia Asmundson, brothers; John (infant), David and Bill Harder, and brother-in-law Paul Asmundson.

She is survived by her daughters; Lisa-Jane and (Heather) Anne, sons-in-law; Darren and Ben, grandchildren; Kaden, Myka, Nikolai, August, and Sasha, sister Leona Beamish, brother-in-law Robert Beamish, and sisters-in-law; Pat Harder and Janice Harder, and many nieces and nephews.

Edna was born in the RM of Westbourne (Gladstone), Manitoba on August 15, 1943. Edna began her education in a one-room schoolhouse (Bearcreek School), where she arrived early each winter morning to light the fire and warm the classroom before the teacher and other students arrived. She later graduated from William Morton Collegiate in Gladstone, Manitoba.  Edna joyfully helped her parents on the family farm in the Gladstone area; tending to the household, milking the cows, shearing the sheep, caring for the chickens, and working in the garden.

Edna first obtained her Registered Nurse qualifications at Grace Hospital (Winnipeg) in 1964, and in 1970, her Bachelor of Nursing at the University of Manitoba. Edna married Jim in 1967, and a few years later, built a home together on Christie Road in the Winnipeg area where they then welcomed their two daughters. Edna fussed endlessly over her little girls; meticulously sewing matching outfits, curating their doll collections, and never refusing the opportunity to enjoy a good tea party with them. She particularly cherished their years at Winnipeg Mennonite Elementary School, and was proud to support the school from its very first days. Edna’s nursing career spanned many areas – from obstetrics and psychiatry, to management and First Nations community support. Edna was a life-long learner, pursuing various degrees throughout her adult life. Her love of education manifested itself in her passion for teaching, and she found great joy in tutoring internationally educated nurses to obtain their Canadian Certification.

Edna’s interests were vast and diverse – she enjoyed travelling; be it by train to Toronto, or overseas to Israel, the Soviet Union, England and Europe. She was interested in Canadian politics, running twice in provincial elections, loved to host social gatherings, and never missed the opportunity to tell a good story. Edna will be remembered by her endless generosity, her acute compassion, particularly for those most vulnerable, and by her deep faith.

Her family would like to share their deep appreciation for all of the expressions of support, sympathy and condolences.  They extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff at the Simkin Centre in Winnipeg for the compassionate devotion and exceptional care they provided during Edna's final years and moments.  Thank you.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Mennonite Central Committee Manitoba, 100-140 Bannatyne Avenue, WInnipeg, MB, R3B 3C5; or to a charity of one's choice.

Funeral service honoring Edna will held at the Good Shepherd Church Hall, 1125 Sask. Ave. E., Portage la Prairie on Saturday, January 10th at 11:00 a.m.  Interment will take place at the Austin Cemetery.  (please note service will be held in the Church Hall)

Messages of condolences can be made online at www.flynnmemorial.com

Flynn Memorial Services entrusted with the arrangements.