Edith Alina Uhde

On January 8, 2026, Edith Alina Uhde passed away at Andy’s House, Port Carling, at the age of ninety-five. Beloved spouse to Rolf (d. 2005). Treasured mother to Alf, Ingrid, Mark and Ralph. Beloved daughter of Pelagia (Szychowska) and Edgar Berthold.

It is with profound sadness that the time has come to bid farewell to our beautiful mother, grandmother and great-grandmother (Oma). She left this world peacefully, and in her final moments, acknowledged her four children by her side.

Edith Alina Berthold was born on July 8, 1930 in Tomaschow, Poland. So many people were displaced during the war years and her family chose to re-locate to Germany. It was while she worked as a seamstress in a small village, that she met her future husband, Rolf Uhde.

Rolf and Edith married on April 17, 1954, in Niagara Falls, Ontario. They were part of an influx of European immigrants during that time, and as such, helped build our country with their determination, strong work ethics and grit.

Times were hard as the newlyweds navigated the English language and money was scarce. Edith worked several jobs to help them get by, including processing fruit in a canning factory, and soon, a baby was on the way. After their third child was born, Rolf and Edith moved their family to a farm on the outskirts of town. Edith had her hands full by then, minding four lively children, working by Rolf’s side in the extensive orchards and vineyards, tending livestock, a large vegetable garden and the home. She often managed this alone, when Rolf worked shifts at his full-time job at General Motors. Still, she was the quintessential hostess for family gatherings and parties, and welcomed everyone into her home with open arms.

In 1973, three years after a family vacation to British Columbia, wanderlust prevailed and Rolf and Edith bought the 200 acre Glass/Tiffin/Paish farm in Milford Bay. This was to pursue the idea of creating a private campground with recreational trout fishing. Having left good friends behind, Edith was happy to be invited to join the local Beatrice Women’s Institute, to contribute to their many good works and enjoy long-lasting friendships. Rolf worked numerous carpentry jobs in the community, while at the same time renovating the old farmhouse. As good land was available for livestock, Rolf and Edith pursued this venture for a time. Many a crop of hay was harvested on Edith’s birthday, followed by baths, cake and a celebration.

With large ponds and an unlimited supply of spring-fed water, a new idea was formed and the Milford Bay Trout Fram was born. It all began with a fishing pond and hatchery, expanding fresh trout sales and finally Rolf’s and Edith’s recipe for smoked trout. This changed everything, as the product was well-received and led to increased demand from restaurants, retailers and farmer’s markets, which had made a resurgence in Muskoka at that time.

Edith’s role was integral to the growth of the business, as once again she found herself literally hands on with every aspect of the trout farm; from moving fish between ponds, spending hours in the hatchery, to sorting, cleaning, packaging, delivery, and selling the products at markets, all the while tending one of the most admired gardens in Muskoka.

A major transition occurred in 1996 when Rolf’s and Edith’s youngest son, Ralph, took over the business. Their gradual retreat from production and farmer’s markets left more time for leisure and travel, while enjoying their many grandchildren (in small doses). Trips abroad included Hawaii, Arizona, Las Vegas, Germany, Austria, Caymen Islands and British Columbia.

Rolf’s passing in 2005 was prolonged and difficult to bear, and her close family offered comfort as best as they could. Her love of crafts, gardening and always putting others’ needs before hers masked her forlorn feelings for her husband. They shared so much, and one can only imagine their trials and tribulations throughout their fifty-one years of marriage. Still, we know that the happy times far outweighed the difficult ones, and true to Edith’s spirit, she found comfort in family gatherings, and joy in the simplest of things.

Edith’s main health challenge was her heart condition, which she managed long enough to enjoy recent weddings and births of several more great-grandchildren. Her decline came on suddenly, and though difficult for her family, Edith indicated she was ready.

Edith is survived by her four children, Alf (Elizabeth d. 2004), Ingrid Pearce (Glenn), Mark (Katja), and Ralph (Wendy). Grandchildren include Clifton Pearce (Sean), Daniel (Amanda), Raeanne Pidskalney (Brian), Dalton Pearce (Caroline), Howard Pearce (Ana), Joshua, Eric, Benjamin, Halle Mortimer (Nicholas), Sadie Lees (Derek). Blessed with great-grandchildren, Jason, Lincoln, Claire, Lakelyn, Fiona, Jameson, Philip, Niko and Wrenley.

Her children are blessed to have been raised with care and values, with a firm, but gentle hand, and above all, with abounding love. Edith’s family is ever grateful to have had her in their lives for so many years. She set the bar so high, and her sweetness will never be forgotten. Auf wiedersehen, Mama.

Visitation will be held on Monday, January 12th, 2026, from 3:00p.m to 4:30p.m at Reynolds Funeral Home, Bracebridge, Ontario.

A private family service will take place at a later time based on Edith's wishes. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Andy's House - Hospice Muskoka, Port Carling, Ontario.