Obituary of Eda Eva Palmier

Eda Eva Palmier, born in Kincaid, SK, January 13, 1921, eldest child of Marie and Edouard Bisson of Ferland, SK passed away March 13, 2012. Predeceased by her parents, her sisters Rose and Irene, and her husband Achille. Eda is survived by her brother Joseph, three children, Denis (Loretta), Collette (Nigel Lacey) and Maurice (Anita), 11 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren. After schooling, she worked as a nurse at the Weyburn Mental Hospital. Later, as an Income Tax stenographer in Regina, she met Achille Palmier of Lafleche, who was in army training. They married in 1944 and, after the war, bought land south of Lafleche. They operated a mixed farm with Eda taking an active role with the livestock but in the 60’s, they sold their cattle and became grain farmers. Eda was legendary for huge gardens, marvelous cooking and unequalled hospitality. Every neighbour or salesman passing through at mealtime experienced the gigantic spread she provided. Cousins and friends anticipated not only excellent food but caring and giving beyond the ordinary. Her children soon accepted they would share most mealtimes. Eda was always spiritually alive and taught her children Bible stories when they were very young. The day began kneeling for family prayers and bedtime concluded with Bible stories. "Church” was Bible stories taught atop a large rock in the pasture. Her desire for God took her to different groups before she met her Savior Jesus Christ in 1964. Her faith never wavered from then on and she was known for her openness in sharing and constancy in prayer. Eda faced many hardships. Severely injured as a young husband, Achille lost one eye. She spent six months clinging to God’s promises, waiting to see if he would survive. She lost her father soon after and her fourth child in 1960. Her mother died in 1977 and in 1980 Eda was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. God spared her but in 1983 she developed breast cancer. Again, God chose to heal her. In 1998, she suffered a massive stroke but relearned many of her abilities and, amazingly, went on to be Achille’s caregiver. She was beside him to the end in 2005 but her vigilance brought on heart problems. Her last years were spent at the Prairie Villa in Assiniboia. Everyone was touched by her determination to put others first - even at her weakest in her last days. Her life was characterized by prayer for each grandchild and great-grandchild. She loved visits to her children’s homes. On the morning of her death, her children knew Achille was experiencing their promised reunion and she was rejoicing to finally meet her Jesus face to face. Funeral Service was held on Saturday, March 17, 2012, at 2:30 p.m., from the Woodrow Gospel Chapel, Woodrow, SK, with Nigel Lacey officiant. The eulogy was shared by the Families of Denis, Collette and Maurice. Special music by the Family Choir included "He Touched Me” and "It is Well with My Soul.” Pallbearers were James Burr, Christopher Lacey, Jason Palmier, Geoffrey Peckham, Dwayne Johns, Russell Neufeld, Trevor Palmier and Don Perryman. Interment took place at the Woodrow Municipal Cemetery. Memorial tributes in memory of Eda to the Canadian Bible Society, P.O. Box 1931 Stn. Main, Saskatoon, SK S7K 3S5, In Touch Ministries, P.O. Box 4900, Markham, ON L3R 6G9 and Back to the Bible Canada, Box 246 Stn. A., Abbotsford, BC V2T 6V6, were greatly appreciated. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Piché-Hawkins-Grondin Funeral Chapels, Assiniboia & Gravelbourg.