Sister Edna Walsh, SC, died peacefully on February 21, 2026, at St. John’s Hospice, on the campus of the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC at the age of 95.

Born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Edna Rita Marie was one of three children born to Thomas E. Walsh and Helena (Heffernan) Walsh. Edna was educated by the Sisters of Charity, and her father a devoted member of the Saint Vincent de Paul Society in Halifax. While she entered the Congregation in her midlife, in 1986, the charism of charity and serving others, was innate of her family values.

Sister Edna served in ministry in British Columbia and was delighted to call the province home. Her ministries included retreat director at the Seton House of Prayer, pastoral assistant at St. Charles Garnier Parish, spiritual advisor to the CWL and the St. Vincent de Paul Society, and spiritual director for the Immaculate Conception community in Kelowna. Sister Edna spent a decade in service and made many strong friendships in Kelowna.

In 1998, her ministry called her to Vancouver, BC where she offered spiritual direction and therapeutic touch. Sister Edna was an accomplished nurse decades before entering the religious life with the Sisters of Charity. She served as clinical instructor for maternal and child at the Halifax Infirmary and held several roles with the province of Nova Scotia including nursing consultant for maternal and child, director of community health nursing, consultant for public health nursing and the hospital insurance commission. Sister Edna’s lifelong call to care for others was evident in both her professional work and her ministry which led her to serve at the Fraser Valley Cancer Centre, where she was a compassionate and steady source of comfort for individuals and families facing serious illness.

A deeply compassionate and caring presence, Sister Edna was particularly gifted in supporting those living in poverty including victims of domestic abuse. While her clinical skills were invaluable, it was her calm, quiet presence that created a safe and welcoming space for those sharing vulnerable experiences and seeking support. She offered these gifts through her ministry with Surrey Memorial Hospitality, and Mid-Main Community Health Centre in Vancouver.

A gifted relator, conversations with Sister Edna were intentional and genuine. She shared her own stories openly and, just as authentically, deeply listened to others. She shared her love of photography by raising funds through the sale of her Notes of Hope gift cards, in support of Our Lady of Good Counsel – Domestic Abuse Services in Vancouver. Sister Edna was a powerful advocate and supporter to voices underrepresented; she will be remembered for giving joyful witness to love with her every breath.

In addition to her parents, Sister Edna was predeceased by her siblings, Patrick Edwin Walsh and Helena Caroline (Walsh) Slavin. She is survived by her nephew, Douglas Slavin, and her great-nephew, Dennis Slavin.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Augustine’s Parish, Vancouver, BC on Friday, March 6, 2026, at 11:00am with Father Robert Smith, OMI officiating. Burial will follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery, New Westminster, on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sister Edna’s memory to the Sisters of Charity at https://schalifax.ca/.