Freda Lucille Edwards

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Freda Lucille Edwards (McIntosh) on Sunday, October 26, 2025. She passed away peacefully at the Neepawa Memorial Hospital, one day after her 94th birthday.

Freda was born October 25, 1931, in Flin Flon, Manitoba, to Frederick Graham and Annie Mabel McIntosh. She grew up in the rustic environment of this small mining community, spending her summers out at Beaver Lake (now Denare Beach) fishing, swimming and boating with family and close friends. Freda was an active child growing up, singing, playing piano and participating in many sports.

After completing high school, Freda moved to Winnipeg where she completed her nursing training at the Victoria Hospital. Upon graduating in the early 1950’s she, along with one of her best friends, travelled to Europe and the U.K. to visit another best friend, stationed at the time with the Canadian Air Force in France. They visited London, Rome, Paris, Amsterdam, Switzerland, Germany, Scotland, and Wales. She passed on her love of life, travel, and independence to her children.

Freda returned to Canada, moved back to Flin Flon and began her nursing career at the Flin Flon General Hospital, then became the Matron of the HBM&S Company Hospital. It is Flin Flon where she met and married her husband of nearly 60 years, Thomas Arthur Edwards.  They moved down to Winnipeg in 1960 so Tom could resume his University studies. Freda nursed at several of the local hospitals during this time some of which, she was the head nurse. Over the years, she nursed at various facilities throughout Manitoba, including the hospital in Hartney, Neepawa Memorial Hospital, and East View Lodge in Neepawa.

Freda was an active member in her community, participating in the Neepawa Lionelles, The Neepawa Choraliers, The Neepawa Festival of the Arts, the Neepawa Ladies Curling Club and was an icon in the Avon Lady industry. Music played a very big role in Freda’s life. She shared this love of music with her three children, influencing and supporting them throughout their lives. She and Tom enjoyed their many close friends and avid social life, building special bonds with neighbours and colleagues, fostering friendships that have lasted a lifetime.

Freda loved returning to her hometown of Flin Flon, Manitoba where she and her family spent their summers at the cabin, close to family friends and relatives. It is there where she had the most fun, and taught her children the joy of life, love and laughter…so much laughter. The Flin Flon Ladies Bonspiel was another highlight for Freda during the winter months. Cribbage, Rummy, One to Five and Rummoli were just a few of the card games that Freda loved to play with her family and friends.

Freda is survived by her children, Cheryl (Neil), Maureen, and Graham (Brenda); grandchildren, Rachelle (Steven), Jordon, and Nolan and step-granddaughter, Michelle (Brock), and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Tom, and son in law, Peter (Maureen).

A private family interment will be held at the Neepawa Riverside Cemetery on Saturday, November 1, 2025. The family would like to express their gratitude to Freda’s friends and the staff at KKI for their generosity of time and kindness over the years. They would like to acknowledge the Home Care aides who visited Freda weekly, providing her personal care and tender assistance. Heartfelt thanks to the nursing staff at Neepawa Memorial Hospital for their outstanding care during her short stay. Special appreciation to Mary Ellen Clark for her delicate and gentle touch, providing palliative care during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, donations can graciously be made to the:

Neepawa & Area Palliative Care Program

C/O Mary Ellen Clark

Neepawa Health Centre,

Box 1240

500 Hospital Street

Neepawa, Manitoba

R0J 1H0

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