It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear mother, grandmother, great grandmother, Daphne Eva Harding. She passed away peacefully in her sleep at Invermere & District Hospital on March 11, surrounded by her loving family.

Daphne was predeceased by her son Timothy Harding only a few months ago and is lovingly remembered by her children: Peter (Lone) Harding, Alison (David) Boyle; grandchildren: Stephanie Boyle, Jeremy (Jacinda) Harding, Jennifer (Dwayne) Boyle, Michael (Kristie) Boyle; Great-grandchildren: Caleb and Bryce Harding and Madix Boyle; as well as numerous friends and extended relatives.

Daphne was born May 5, 1936, in a small town in England. She and her then-husband came to Canada as newly weds shortly after WW2 and started their family. Daphne worked with the Calgary School Board as a librarian for nearly her entire career until her retirement 26 years ago. After retiring, she moved to her cozy cottage in Indian Beach, Windermere that was built with love by her sons and upgrades added for mobility by her grandson Jeremy.

Surrounded by the forest, Daphne spent her days peering out the huge front windows of her cottage, watching birds bathing in the bird bath and the deer that would drink from it. She enjoyed counting how many cubs mama bear had following
her each year. She loved her woodland garden filled with décor collected over the years and especially the beautiful window boxes her friend Ann helped plant every year. Living in Indian Beach was the perfect spot for her as she made deep, lifelong friendships with her neighbours. She cherished the times her friends stopped by for a chat while they were out for a walk and when she could catch up with family over the phone. She knew all her neighbours and even the names of every dog that lived nearby.

Daphne wished to stay in her home for as a long as possible and her loved ones are grateful she was able to live out her days in her favourite place. In accordance with her wishes, there will be no funeral or memorial service, and Daphne was cremated on March 18, 2023. The family wishes to send a special thank you to the staff at Invermere & District Hospital for their care and compassion to the “kind, intelligent lady with the beautiful blue eyes”.