Obituary of Edna Lillian DeMarsh

Edna Lillian (Ward) DeMarsh:  Oct. 29, 1925 - Jun. 20, 2025

We celebrate the remarkable life of Edna Lillian DeMarsh, even as we regret to announce her passing at the age of 99 at the Nashwaak Villa in Stanley, NB, her home for the past five years.  Edna was the firstborn of Lillian Blanche Scott Ward and John Arnold Ward of Salmon Beach, NB. Her sister Ida was born three years later. A brilliant student, Edna graduated from Bathurst High School at the age of sixteen.  She began work as the secretary to the General Manager of the Bathurst Pulp and Paper Mill where she later met Roy DeMarsh who worked in the Mill's Personnel Department for a summer while studying at Mount Allison University. We understand he frequently found reason to visit the GM's office, where a certain redhead happened to be.  They married in 1948 and began a lifelong partnership in service to God and community through the United Church of Canada in congregations in NS and NB as well as at the Church headquarters in Toronto. 

Edna and Roy had four children, Peter (Jean Burgess), of Taymouth, NB; John (Kathryn DeMarsh), of Plaster Rock, NB; Barbara (Greg McGuire), Lower Sackville, NS; and Helen (Maury Miloff) of Chelsea, QC. She adored her twelve grandchildren: Luke deMarsh (Cora), Alex Demarsh (Lauren), Stephen DeMarsh (Eva), Andrew Demarsh, Lily Forsythe (Ben), Thomas Forsythe (Drew), Edwin Pavey (Kristin), Lila Pavey (Isaac), Emilie Petras (Andrew), Alexander Miloff, Zachary Miloff, Hayley Miloff (Liam); and fourteen great-grandchildren (with at least two more on the way): Willem, Henry, Arthur, Edward, Mathais, Theodore, Nathan, Roslyn, Elijah, Mae, John, Adelaide, Charlotte and Jacob. She is also lovingly remembered by extended family across Canada. 

Edna was known for her warmth, kindness, cast iron grit, phenomenal resilience and charming wit.  Her love of music was expressed on piano and organ both at home and in church. She was predeceased by her parents, her sister, her husband and her two sons. The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the Nashwaak Villa nurses and staff, many of whom became like family over the years. Arrangements have been entrusted to the York Funeral Home in Fredericton.  A funeral service will take place on Monday, June 30 at 2 p.m. at the Hillcrest United Church, Stanley, NB., with reception to follow at the Nashwaak Villa.  Memorial gifts to the Mission and Service Fund of the United Church or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.