Dr. Edita (Edi) Bosák
May 16, 1950 to May 13, 2022
Obituary
To view the funeral service for Dr. Edita (Edi) Bosák, please click the link below at 10AM on Friday, May 20
https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/authorise.php?k=1652628968184170
Dr. Edita (Edi) Bosák, a compassionate, loving and thoughtful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, and educator passed away peacefully and surrounded by her family on May 13, 2022, age 71, at the Health Sciences Centre in St. John’s, NL.
Edi is predeceased by her parents, John and Amelia Bosák, (née Vaclavek) and many cherished aunts and uncles in Slovakia. She is mourned, and so very deeply missed, by her beloved hubby, Dr. Barnett Massey; sons, Barnett (Mitch), Neil (Donny), Rajash, Ranjeet, Shawnray; daughter, Sonja (Doug); grandchild, Sam; furry grand-pups, Remy, Archer, Mia; siblings, Anna; John; nephew, Johnathan (Brianne) and many beloved family members, friends and students around the world.
She was born in Stockholm, Sweden where her parents were stationed with the Czecho-Slovak diplomatic corp. As an infant, her family defected to Canada to escape the oppression of Communism. She was raised by her humble, loving and hard-working family in Welland, Ontario. They instilled in her a great pride of her Slovak heritage, a love for Canada, a sense of compassion for others and a deeply engrained work ethic.
Edi had a brilliant and inquisitive mind. She obtained her PhD in 1982 from the University of London, UK, in Central and Eastern European history. A year later she became a professor at Memorial University of Newfoundland, where she taught until her passing. She touched the lives of many of her students, who decades later still talk about the interesting topics covered in her courses and how she had a positive impact on their lives.
She was a passionate life-long learner who not only excelled academically, but also had many hobbies and interests, including being an avid swimmer, traditional Slovak dancer, pianist, painter, reader, gardener and singer.
Edi also had a big heart and a spirit of volunteerism. She was diagnosed with Celiac Disease in the late 1980s, and given her struggle with this disease she served as National President of the Canadian Celiac Association (1995 to 2000), and as the Local President (1992 to 2008) working tirelessly to educate the public, as well as policy and decision makers. She was also actively involved in other academic and charity volunteer organizations such as the Canadian Diabetes Association and the Slovak Studies Association (President 1993-2000).
Visitation will take place at Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road, on Wednesday, May 18 from 11AM-1PM and 5PM-9PM, and Thursday, May 19 from 1PM-7PM. The funeral will be held from the Carnell Memorial Chapel, 329 Freshwater Road, on Friday, May 20 at 10AM with interment to follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.
In lieu of, or in addition to, flowers, donations can be made in Edi’s name to the Canadian Celiac Association, the Canadian Diabetes Association or Heavenly Creatures NL.
Schedule
Visitations
11AM-1PM on May 18, 2022
5PM-9PM on May 18, 2022
1PM-7PM on May 19, 2022
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map
funeral
10:00am, Friday May 20th
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map
My most sincerest condolences to the family and loved ones of Edita, she truly was a loved soul.
As a young aspiring student starting my studies in 2015, Dr.Bosák was assigned as my advisor and over the years from 2015 to 2019 she was a heartfelt confident, supporter and blessing of mine both in my personal life as well as with my academic ambitions.
I took much inspiration from the stories she would tell and even had the chance to go on my own adventures and share them with her.
We would often jokingly comment on my inviting her on my next adventure to Europe in reminiscence of the past she so emphatically lived, to no avail was I able to convince her however, yet the jest was always a fun banter between us.
Little did I know my last contact with Edita would take place in 2020, given the pandemic we were unable to meet for health safety reasons, but I am blessed to know I was able to have one last phone call with my favorite professor and someone who was and will always continue to be an inspiration on my life.
You will be tremendously missed, Edita, may your soul and family find peace.
Condolences to the family, she was amazing professor and provided me with a lot of info regarding celaic.
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your mom. Please accept my condolences to you and your family. I pray for your peace and comfort during this difficult period. I am here for you anytime if you need my help.
My heartfelt condolences to Dr. Bosák’s family and loved ones. Her passion for her students and the community was obvious to those all around her. You will be missed, Edita.
My very deep sympathies to Edi’s family. I am so saddened by her passing. I was Vice President in the Canadian Celiac Association when Edi was President and she was an excellent model for me. On top of that we had such good times. I remember her so fondly and always hoped our paths would cross again.
Thank you Dr. Edi for your unselfish, kind and wise contributions to the Canadian Celiac Association. My sympathy and prayers to each member of Dr. Edi’s family.
by Jane
She’s an inspiration to us all who are struggling with this disease and I hope we can pick up where she left off and make her proud. My sincerest condolences <3
Dr. Bosák was and forever will be the best professor I ever had the honor of learning from. From her intro to European history course, to the her seminar courses I always came out a better student and person. Dr. Bosák made learning fun, and although I struggled academically she always made me feel as though I was capable of doing just as well as anybody else and always offered support and encouragement. If I could go back and take all the courses she offered I would, but instead I will keep telling the stories and anecdotes that she told our classes and always cherish the fantastic memories I have.
Dr. Bosak was one of the kindest, most benevolent and knowledgeable professors I ever had the pleasure of learning from. She knew more about history than most people can learn in a lifetime and she passed not only her knowledge but also her enthusiasm and caring attitude on to all her students. I always felt at home in her office and in her class. She was a beautiful soul with a kind heart and I am terribly saddened to hear of her passing. My condolences to all her family and friends, she will be missed by everyone who knew her.
My condolences to Dr. Bosak’s family and friends. I am one of the many students who had the pleasure of attending Dr.. Bosak’s seminar courses at Memorial. She was a remarkable professor who truly cared about her students. What I learned from her is still with me fifteen years later. I am very sorry to hear of her passing.
Dr. Bosak taught with a uniquely personal style. She spoke as if she had learned the details from late night conversations with the people involved. She regaled the class with the salacious details of the family drama between Kaiser Wilhelm and the British Royals. Other times she spoke proudly of her family history in Slovakia–I forget the details now, but I know I appreciated having a professor with close ties to Europe teaching the 20th Century Europe class. During such recollections she was aided by only some notes, though I don’t recall her looking down much or at all.
My condolences to Dr. Bosak’s family and friends.
Dr. Bosak was my honours thesis supervisor at Memorial thirty years ago. She was a very intelligent, supportive, and professional mentor. My sincerest condolences to her family.
On behalf of the Newfoundland and Labrador Chapter of the Canadian Celiac Association, we would like to offer our sincerest condolence to Edi’s family. She served both as a volunteer and leader. He passion, dedication and commitment were some of her many strengths. She will be missed.
My condolences to Edi’s siblings Anna and John. I met Edi in 1966 when our cousin visited from Czechoslovakia and we took him to Welland to visit.
Edi remembered my Mom each year at Christmas. Mom treasured those letters.
My condolences also to Edi’s husband and children.
So sorry to hear of Edi’s passing. . Ray and I remember quite well our visits to service the fire place.. Edi and I had many conversations about parenting.. Our condolences to Barnett and family. She will be greatly missed. Ray and Jane Drover. Formerly of Atlantic Repair 2004.
My sympathy and best wishes to all of Edi’s family and close friends. We were colleagues in the MUN Education Faculty in the 1980s and also in the Sunday morning choir at St. Pius X parish. Whenever our paths crossed occasionally from that time until early 2021, we always had a good chat. I see from the other messages here that Edi was a bright and cherished part of many lives. God bless her and all her dearest ones.
Noel Barrett Shuell.
Sending my deepest condolences to Dr. Bosák’s family. It has been almost twenty years since I took my first course with her at Memorial. She was a great educator and even today I remember the kindness she showed me. My sincerest condolences to her family, friends, colleagues, and students.
What a rich rewarding and accomplished life, more than seems possible to fit into one lifetime. I wish we got to know Edita earlier and will miss talks and e-mails about family and her favourite subject Stefanik.
May you draw strength from her care and love.
We will never forget Edita.
I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Bosák. I had the pleasure of taking many courses in my undergrad with Dr. Bosák and she most certainly served as an example for me to follow in my own journey as a Ph.D. candidate. I can say with great certainty, that the History Department and Memorial University as a whole, have lost an amazing academic and individual. I will never forget her lectures, stories, and dedication to her research. My sincerest condolences to her family, friends, colleagues, and students.
Sú ľudia, ktorí pre nás znamenajú viac ako ostatní. O to ťažšie je naučiť sa žiť bez nich… Veľa sily na prekonanie toho jediného, čo nemôžeme nikdy zmeniť. Úprimnú sústrasť
Sonja and family, I am so sorry for your loss. You and she will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Susan Trim
Dr. Bosak was such a lovely person and educator. She really cared about her profession and her students, and I am grateful to have been taught by her. I would like to send my deepest condolences to Dr. Bosak’s family and loved ones.
So sorry to hear of Edi’s passing. I met her many years ago, after I was diagnosed with celiac disease though our local Celiac Association Chapter. She was very supportive and helpful . I enjoyed chatting with her over the years at celiac events and meetings. She was a lovely person. My sincere condolences .
Dr. Bosak cared so much about history and it was clear in her classes – even online, during the pandemic – that she really valued her job teaching too. I am so grateful for the years of effort that she put into MUN and send my sincerest condolences to her family and friends, she was a good person.
We want to express our condolence from Slovakia
Cousin Ján with family
Dr. Bosak was my first year history professor. I remember her speaking in class about her experiences as a graduate student in Russia and doing research in the archives. I enjoyed her classes and learning from her. My sincere condolences to her family.
So sorry to hear of Dr. Bosak’s passing. I will always remember Dr. Bosak’s kindness and her generosity, especially for a new student finding their way.
She was an engaging lecturer and I feel lucky to have been her student. Sorry that you have this grief to bear, I hope that you will hold dear your many happy memories of her and that they will bring you comfort
I am very sorry to hear of Dr. Bosak’s passing. She was always so lovely when we would meet. Although I didn’t know her well, it was very obvious how much she loved her family. My sincere condolences.
So sorry to hear of Dr. Bosak’s passing. I feel very fortunate to have had her as a professor and supervisor at MUN. My deepest condolences to her family.
I miss greatly seeing Dr. Edita( Edi) Bosák singing so beautifully in our church choir. She was always gracious, beautiful, friendly, helpful and somehow very reassuring. to me. During decades of illness and loss affecting my late husband and me. I was always consoled and encouraged just by sitting a few rows back and listening and watching as she sang. She was radiant with goodness and love. I wish to express my deepest, deepest sympathy to all her beloved family members and friends.
We are extremely heartbroken to hear about the loss of Edita/Babička. She was a beautiful woman who left an incredible impact on many lives. Except our deepest condolences as we wish we could be there to support you all through this difficult time. Sending love from afar.
Dear Sonicka, Barnett, Anicka and extended families,
So very sad to learn about Edita’s passing. Our sincere condolences to you all. We go a long way back when Edita was completing her PhD thesis and we followed her incredible academic and other worthy engagements with awe ever since. Edita was an amazing mother to all of her children by giving them unconditional love, guidance and support. Also, she had been an invaluable friend to all who knew her and who benefitted greatly from her ubiquitous knowledge and experiences. We shall always remember her beautiful smile and kindness.
RIP Edita – non omnis moriar
Our thoughts are with you,
Jiri, Blanca and Alicka Skoda
Condolences to Barnett, Sonya and family on Edii’s passing. Edi was Local President when I was diagnosed with Celiac and she was invaluable to me in my adjustment and ongoing education. She certainly will be missed.
I was so very sorry to hear of Edie’s passing. I liked Edie very much and enjoyed spending time with her. She always had a wonderful perspective to share. My condolences to all of her family.
So sad to hear of Edi passing, she was a friendly and compassionate person. We worked on the same floor for many many years and had long chats. My condolences to her family and her University family, she will be truly missed by all
On behalf of the entire GERR family at CRA, my deepest condolences to Sonja and all the family. May Lord provide you all the strength to bear the great loss. She will definitely live eternally through you all in your memories and through your noble works.
May Lord guide the soul in her journey onward
Peace,
Swati
I will always remember Edi as a kind, generous and supportive neighbour when I lived across the road from her at my parents home on Freshwater Road. Sending my sincerest condolences to her family at this time, from Scott Churchill and family in Clarenville.
Edi will always be remembered for her contributions to improving lives for Canadians with celiac disease. May she Rest In Peace.
To Edie’s Family,
Sincere condolences to the family on Edie’s passing.
I had known Edie for many years as a member of St.Pius X choir.
I am presently in the U.S., so can not visit or attend the funeral..
I will certainly view on-line.
Rest In Peace My Friend..
Our most sincere condolences to Edi’s family on their great loss. We knew Edi from MUN and also as a member of St. Pius X choir. We really enjoyed her company in both circumstances. We will miss her. May she Rest In Peace.
David and Eileen Hawkin
My sincerest sympathy to all Edi’s family . Edi was a cherished member of our Book Club .Although I have not met the members of her family , Edi spoke of you all so fondly that I feel that I know you . She will be missed . Susan ( a Book Club friend)
My sincere condolences to Dr. Bosak’s family. She was a wonderful professor. I have pleasant memories of our many conversations about European history, enriched by her personal experiences and reflections. God bless.
Patryk
To Dr. Bosak’s family,
Sorry to reach this tonight. She was an incredible Prof and thoroughly enjoyed her courses. She was so engaging, full of knowledge and it was courses I never wanted to miss.
Thoughts with you, her family at this time.
Deepest condolences to Dr. Bosák’s family. She was one of the best professors to teach me at MUN, and she was so remarkable with her cleverness, kindness, and amazing stories . She will be greatly missed.
My condolences to Edi’s family. Edi was the first person who called me when I got diagnosed with celiac disease here in St. John’s. She was a warm and friendly voice on the line and helped to calm me and walk me through how to copy in those first few days. I will always be thankful to her for that. She will be missed. My thoughts are with your family at this sad time.
Ob behalf of the entire GERR family at CRS, my deepest condolences to Sonja and all the family. May Lord provide you all the strength to bear the great loss. She will definitely live eternally through you all in your memories and through your noble works.
May Lord guide the soul in her journey onward
Peace,
Swati
On behalf of the Canadian Celiac Association (CCA), we send our sincerest condolences to Edi’s family. We were fortunate to have her share her passion, advocacy and compassion to help bring more awareness to celiac disease in Canada. She made a impact on individuals and left a legacy of hope.
Deepest conwolences to Barnett and Sonja and all the family. Edi was my friend for years, we worked together on the CCA and chatted at the gym and saw each other regualrly in meetings and social events. It’s very hard to believe she’s gone and I can’t imagne what you’re going through. She was a presence and will be missed. Take care, Carol and Jan
My condolences to Dr. Bosak’s family.
I first had the pleasure of having Dr. Bosak as my history professor in 1985. No matter where or when I would run into her over the years, it was always lovely.
What a great and wonderful lady. God bless.
My deepest condolences to all who loved and cherished Edita. She was a remarkable lady, who I had the great pleasure of getting to know over the last 5 years through my work at MUN for Oxford University Press. What began as a business meeting, grew into a friendship marked by lunches and tea dates, that made my trips to St. John’s all the brighter. Edita never missed the opportunity to talk about her family, always quick to proudly tell loving stories about her husband and children. In the brief time I knew her, I grew to admire her greatly and can only imagine how those who held her close must grieve this terrible loss. The world is less bright today. My thoughts are with you all.
My sincerest condolences to Dr. Bosák’s family. I had the pleasure of being both a student and later colleague of Dr. Bosák’s for some time at Memorial. She always treated me with great kindness and will be missed.
I am saddened to learn of Dr. Bosak’s passing and extend my deepest condolences to her family and friends. Dr. Bosak was a brilliant and thoughtful educator and will be greatly missed by many.
Dianne Coffey-Follett
I’m very sadden of hearing of the passing of Dr. Edi Bosak. I had her for a couple of courses in history and I found her that of a good teacher and scholar. and it was my pleasure of having her as a prof. My deepest condolences to her husband, family, and friends. See would be greatly missed.
Greg and I send our condolences to Edi’s family. We arrived at MUN around the same time. I remember dinners together and conversations about her background explaining how Slovakia was a distinct entity within what was then Czechoslovakia. We still have the crystal wine glasses she gave us as a gift all those years ago. All the best to the family.
My deepest condolences to Dr. Bosak’s family and friends on this loss. She was a remarkable woman with a brilliant mind and the kindest soul. She had a remarkable ability to inspire others and knowing her was a true gift. May she rest peacefully and in love.
I only ever took one course with her at MUN but I will never forget how she took the time to recognize my surname and address in the Hungarian formal manner. That touched me deeply. She was a formidable intellect, and she always demanded the best from her students. She will be missed. Condolences to her family.
Edi was one of the first people I met with the Celiac Association after my diagnosis. She used to bring in gluten free food and operated a “grocery store” from her basement long before products were so widely available. She was a lifeline for me and so many others in the Celiac community. She will be fondly remembered and missed by us all.
To Dr. Bosak’s family,
I never had the pleasure of knowing Dr. Bosak, but was supposed to take 2 courses with her this spring at MUN and heard great things about her teaching. I am so sorry for your loss, and I am sending you all my deepest condolences.
Sincerely,
Catherine Barrett
I met this wonderful lady while I was working in the Avalon Mall. I came to look forward to her visits to the store and always enjoyed our conversations. I am truly sorry to hear of her passing, but please know that she touched the hearts and minds of so many and for that she will always be remembered with love and light. May she rest peacefully in the arms of the angels.
Hi Sonicka! I am so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. I am so happy I had the pleasure of knowing her because of your friendship with my daughter Catherine. She was a beautiful lady and a friend. She helped out with whatever was asked of her. We worked on committees together and she had a lot to offer. Hold on to all your wonderful memories of your Mom and take pride in knowing that she adored and loved you very much. She will surely be missed by all who knew her. Christine & Dave Jones
Barnett, Neil and family:
I am so sorry to hear of your moms passing. I hope the beautiful memories you’ve made help you through this difficult time. Take care.
Thinking of your family during this difficult time.