On Monday November 23, 2020, peacefully of natural causes, at Point Grey Hospital in Vancouver. Born October 9, 1934 at home on West 36th Avenue in Kerrisdale, Vancouver to her Scottish immigrant parents, Joan Macaulay Mair (Lochmaddy, North Uist) and William H. Mair (Turriff, Aberdeenshire). Edith was predeceased by her brother A. Ian Mair (July 2020) and niece Heather Mair (1963). She will be lovingly remembered by her sister-in-law Kathleen (Kay) Mair and nephew and nieces Ken (Sherrill), Alix (Tom Scott) and Sheena Mair (Jeff Carter) and their families.
Edith was a lifelong resident of Kerrisdale. She attended Quilchena Elementary School, Point Grey Junior High and Magee High School (Class of 1952). Edith was born with Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) a rare genetic disorder that causes progressive vision loss and eventual blindness. Edith’s intellect and determination saw her overcome her disability in the most profound ways, in an era where disabilities were a true barrier to success. She rode a bicycle in her youth before becoming legally blind at sixteen years of age.
Edith attended University of British Columbia in 1954 returning to U.B.C. from 1974-1978, graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce degree. She had a distinguished career for over 40 years at Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB Vancouver) working in various roles in client services and operations, eventually holding a Senior Administration position before retiring in 1996.
Throughout her adult life, travel was one of her greatest pleasures. She travelled for CNIB conferences and personal holidays – always with a good friend along for the adventure. Switzerland, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Greece, The Baltic, British Virgin Islands, Whitehorse NWT, and many more destinations brought endless travel planning and pleasure.
She loved attending music concerts, walking all over the city of Vancouver for fitness and fun, and listening to the CBC radio. Edith took great care to dress impeccably and would not allow her disability to define her. She was proud of her Scottish heritage and was famous for her traditional Scottish Christmas pudding and brandy- laced hard sauce.
Edith was shown the true kindness of friendship by her loyal friends that cared for her. Over the years, and more so in recent years Edith was cared for by her brother, Ian, sister-in-law Kay, and family. We also want to take this opportunity to thank the care teams at Point Grey Private Hospital, Vancouver General Hospital and Chalmers lodge for their wonderful care of Edith these last few years. Rest in Peace Edith, you will be remembered with love forever.
No service by request. In lieu of flowers donations to the Canadian National Institute (CNIB) for the blind would be greatly appreciated.