Edna Connell

Edna Connell was a remarkable woman, a strong, vibrant and intelligent person, who devoted her long and full life to the family she loved so dearly. She was a loving wife and mother, doting grandmother and a friend to so many. Most of all, Edna was a woman who taught us to make the most of the time we are given, just as she always did.

Edna's story began on the most patriotic of days in 1914, a hot Fourth of July, in the little town of Mason, Illinois. Those were such tumultuous times in this country, and especially around the globe, as the hardships of World War I affected so many, and the United States slowly marched into battle. Yet on that July 4, Homer and Freda (Flick) Martin found reason to celebrate, and a reason for hope, with the birth of a beautiful baby girl they named Edna.

Edna was the second oldest of five girls in the Martin home, a quaint little town outside Effingham, Illinois, where her father worked for the railroad, like so many men of his day. When Edna was a young woman, she began working at a restaurant in nearby Effingham, 14 miles away, to help her family make ends meet during the dark days of the Great Depression. Those were such difficult times for so many Americans, which had such a lifelong impact on so many people, especially Edna.

Soon, however, Edna would have a family of her own to think about. While working in the restaurant, she met a handsome young man named Milton "Sparky" Connell, and the two hit it off right from the start. They began dating, fell in love, and were married on October 29, 1939.

Just a few years after the young couple was married, the country entered into the fray of World War II, and every American was called upon to do their part. Edna and Sparky packed up their belongings and two small children, Steve and Brenda, and left Illinois, moving north to Ypsilanti, Michigan, where they both worked at a factory helping make bomber airplanes.

Not long after the war ended, the family packed up and moved once again, this time to the charming little town of Vicksburg, Michigan. Edna enjoyed it there, as it reminded her of her hometown in many ways, and eventually she came to think of Vicksburg as her true home. Sparky provided for the family with a job as a traveling salesman, while Edna stayed at home to care for her family.

Edna was a wonderful mother, a stern mother, yes, but also a supportive mother, as well. With her husband gone much of the week, Edna ran the home, and there was no question who was the boss, either! Having lived through the tough times of the Depression, Edna was also very frugal, yet instilled in her children the value of a dollar, and the importance of not being wasteful, as well.

Sadly, her beloved Sparky died in 1977, and with her children now grown, Edna moved into Prairie Meadows Apartments in Vicksburg. Saddened by his loss and the difficult adjustment to being alone, Edna nonetheless persevered, and even thrived in her newfound independence, as a testament to her strength. She continued to drive and took daily walks, as well.

Edna filled her days with the things that brought her such joy, of which there were many. She enjoyed doing puzzles and crosswords, and was an avid Detroit Tigers fan, and loved listening to Ernie Harwell call the games on the radio. Always a vibrant, intelligent woman, Edna also kept up on world events and politics, and read the newspaper cover to cover each day. She also was a woman with a tremendous sweet tooth, and there was no question that dessert was the highlight of the meal for her!

Of course, Edna's greatest enjoyment came from the family she loved so dearly, especially when her grandchildren arrived. Her favorite times were always in the company of her family. She particularly loved going to watch her grandson's baseball games, cheering him on as he pitched from the mound, and giving the umpires more than an earful at every bad call!

In the late 1990s, Edna was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, and moved in with her daughter Brenda in Vicksburg. After the disease progressed, she moved to Tendercare in Portage in 2002, requiring more care. Sadly, Edna died Friday, January 5, 2007, at the age of 92.

Edna was a remarkable lady, a vibrant, intelligent and even-keeled woman, who always let you know where you stood with her. She was a strong woman, often direct, and to the point, yet her love and support for her family was always so heartfelt, and sincere. She will be greatly missed.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Milton "Sparky" Connell, in 1977. Learn more about Edna, view her Life Story film and visit with her family and friends Monday from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, RDMG Vicksburg 409 S. Main where her funeral will be held Tuesday at 11 a.m. Members of her family include her children Brenda (Richard) Bresson of Vicksburg, Steve (Karen) Connell of Litchfield, AZ, grandchildren, Todd Bresson of Kalamazoo and Dave (Lynette) Connell of Houston, TX and Rob (Cyndi) Connell of Portage, three great-grandchildren, Delia Bresson, Malissa Connell and Gabe Connell, sister, Betty (Hank) Veatch of Homer. Besides her husband, Edna was preceded in death by a grandson Bradley Bresson and sisters Mary Frye, Dorothy Kinkelaar, Eva Smith. Please visit Edna's memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can read her Life Story and archive a favorite memory or photo.