Edris Jean (Edie) Fowkes died peacefully of natural causes on June 7, 2022 in Ventura, California. Edie, 87, was a loving wife, mother and friend. She will be fondly remembered for her bright smile and fun-seeking spirit. Edie was born in Sauk Rapids, Minnesota to Oscar and Gertrude Bjorklund on January 26, 1935. She attended Sauk Rapids High School and graduated in 1952. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education at the University Of Minnesota in 1956. The following year she came to California with a contract from the Ventura Unified School District to teach elementary school classes. This association lasted for 25 years and included stints at Montalvo, El Camino, Blanch Reynolds and Saticoy schools. Teaching was her calling. She made a lasting impact on so many children and their families. She found great joy in the eyes of children learning to read. She loved seeing their confidence grow, secure in knowing that she believed in them. Many of the individuals she met during those years of teaching remain life-long friends. With her warm personality and a devotion to her students, she succeeded in providing a high level of education in the classroom. Edie enjoyed playing bridge, either duplicate or party and was sought after as a partner who played well and had a good time in the bargain. Her charitable organizations began with the Assistance League of Ventura County in 1967, and later became a member of the Las Patronas Auxiliary in 1987. She was a founding member of the El Cien Dance club and a member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, Chapter MC in Ventura. She loved gardening and growing things and was quite successful in raising Cymbidium orchids and Plumeria trees. Travel was another favorite form of enjoyment for her so she arranged numerous cruises and countless visits to countries around the world, especially Scandinavia.
She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Anthony P. (Tony) Fowkes of Ventura and their daughter, Cynthia Jordan (St Cloud,MN), Son in Law Wade Jordan (Ventura, CA). Grandchildren Conor A. Jordan ( Ventura, CA), Brady C. Jordan and Erin C. Jordan (St Cloud, MN). Nephews Christopher Bjorklund (Reedsburg, WI), Byron Bjorklund (St Cloud, MN), Paul Bjorklund (Eagan, MN) and nieces Julie Knudson (Reedsburg, WI), Lynn Synder Sauk Rapids, MN). Preceding Edie in death was her son, Christopher P. Fowkes, brothers Harold Bjorklund, Charles Bjorklund, and Roger Bjorklund. Sisters Hazel Thomas and Dorothy Lanoie.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor Edie are welcome to donate to Community Memorial Healthcare Foundation, 2674 E Main St, Ste E, Ventura, CA 93003 or Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association, 1996 Eastman Ave., Ste 101, Ventura, CA 93003.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Aegis Living Ventura for making their facilities and staff available in a timely manner.
Family and friends are invited to funeral services to be held at the Church of the Foothills, 6279 Foothill Road, Ventura, on Wednesday June 15, 2022 at 11:00 AM with Reverend John Douglas officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of the BOYKO & REARDON TELEGRAPH ROAD MORTUARY & CREMATION, 15 Teloma Drive, Ventura.