Edith Mae Harding

Edith Mae Harding passed away under hospice care at Brendan House in Kalispell on Feb. 21. She was born Edith Mae Gussick to Gottlief and Amelia Mursal Gussick near Heaton, N.D. on Oct. 9, 1916.

Edith was the youngest of a large family. She graduated from Heaton High School during the depth of the Depression. Those difficult times formed a conservative family and community ethic that guided both she and her husband throughout their lives.

She married Charles Robert Harding in 1937 in Whitefish, the community they moved to after World War II. They built their home on Park Avenue in 1947 and remained there for the rest of their lives.

Charles was an active community member and businessman, owning Harding Home Lumber Company, Inc. for more than three decades. Edith was a homemaker, spouse and devoted partner to Charles and missed him greatly after his passing in 1998.

Edith is survived by her sons, Gary and wife Erin Harding of Whitefish, Tom and wife Sue Harding of Whitefish; granddaughter, Aimee Harding and her husband Bryan Learned of Seattle, and granddaughter, Stephenne Harding of Washington, D.C.  

Edith took great pride in her family, especially her two grandchildren and all their many travels, adventures and accomplishments. Having lived nearly a century, she was asked what the greatest change was that she had watched in her life. “Flight” was her immediate response.

Then she commented on the travel that she seldom did herself — preferring her home above all other places — and marveled at how her family members had been around the world.

Edith wished to remain in her home. That deep desire was made possible by the aid of all her family members and the marvels of modern healthcare.

She stayed knitting and working word puzzles, to keep her fingers and mind healthy even in her final days at home. The family thanks the many folks of Home Options Hospice for their wonderful care and concern for Edith in these last weeks. Also, the Brendan House staff for her comfort. Thank you all.

At Edith’s request, there will be no service. She will be interred beside her husband and greatest love at Glacier Memorial Gardens. Contributions to Whitefish Community Foundation or a charity of choice are suggested by the family.

Austin funeral home is caring for Edith’s family.