Obituary of Edna Silvestrini

EDNA JOSEPHINE SILVESTRINI: 1914- 2012 Edna Schofield Silvestrini of Arnold, MD was called home by the Lord on September 12, 2012 following a brief illness. Edna was 97. She was known as “Miss Edna” to her friends and neighbors and as “Granny” to her family. She transitioned at her home in Arnold in the loving presence of her devoted family. She was tended with dignity and respect throughout by Hospice of Chesapeake. Edna was born November 23, 1914 to Thornton and Mamie Maud Schofield in Gaspereau, Nova Scotia, Canada. Her upbringing was founded on self-reliance and resilience based on Christian values and the strong sense of community on Gaspereau mountain where the family homestead was located overlooking the Bay of Fundy. The winters alone were often brutal with the snow not measured in feet, but how long it stayed on the ground. Edna and her older brother, Murrille, were singlehandedly raised by their mother after Thornton was killed in WW1 when Edna was only three years old. Edna’s early education began in a one-room community schoolhouse located on the Schofield family property. She graduated from Wolfville High School in Gaspereau Valley after what she described as “many trudges home going up the hill after school holding onto the back of Murrille’s belt.” Edna married Richard “Dick” Coldwell in 1930 in Wolfville, Nova Scotia. They had one child, Joyce Marie, born November 4, 1930. She and Dick moved to Bridgeport, Connecticut in 1949 to be near family who had previously emigrated. Edna became a naturalized American citizen in 1950 only one year after moving to the U.S. Her first job in America was a clerk at Dean’s Dry Cleaners in Bridgeport where she worked until 1956. Edna and Dick divorced in 1955. While working during the day, Edna attended technical school at night for certification in keypunch operation. She worked as a keypunch operator from 1956 to 1980 working for Columbia Records, Singer Corp., Olin Chemical where she had a secret security clearance, and finally retiring from Conrail in 1980. Edna loved to dance and was a member of the Moose Lodge in Bridgeport, CT, for many years starting in 1956 because, as she put it, “They had the best dance hall around.” This was where she met dapper dancer, Italian-American James, “Jim” Silvestrini whom she married in 1961. He affectionately called her his “loose moose.” Following retirement in 1980 and Jim’s death in 1981, Edna spent her time travelling each year to Nova Scotia to spend the summer with family occasionally bringing along one of her three grandsons. She also managed to squeeze in Hawaii and other trips to many destinations across America and Canada. Edna moved to Arnold in 1995 to live with her grandson, John, his wife, Leslie and her children, Jacob and Linelle as the high-rise apartment retirement community in New Haven, CT was becoming increasingly unsafe. Her car was stolen twice and she was robbed while in her apartment. Following a hip replacement in December 1994, Edna made the big move to Arnold in June, 1995. Edna quickly became a member of the Arnold Senior Center where she applied her deft crocheting talent to crafting amazing lap robes for veterans in the hospital. She had the ability to take donated yarns of questionable color and transform those yarns into beautiful blankets that were treasured by all who received them. She also enjoyed oil painting while at the center, sitter-cise, mind alert and fellowship with her friends. She continued to attend the center regularly, driving herself two to three times a week until August 2011. She was considered one of the “queen bees” of the center being one of its oldest members. But, the love of her life was Mickey, the most passive-aggressive miniature poodle that ever lived. He adored her. Edna loved to dress him up for their daily walks, especially the yellow slicker raincoat outfit donned for rainy days. Mickey endured tutus, hair ribbons and painted toenails without complaint. His sweater collection knew no rival. He was happy being wherever she was. Edna was his world and he was hers. Edna was predeceased by her parents, brother Murrille, husbands Richard and James, daughter Joyce, companion dog Mickey and, most recently, her grandson Arthur known to all as Sam. She is survived by two grandsons: Thomas Shewan and his wife Laurene of Uncasville, CT, John Slauson and his wife Leslie of Arnold, MD; great-grandsons: Jeremy Slauson and his wife Johanna of Center Ossippee, NH, Cody Slauson and his wife Dana of Edwardsville, IL, great- granddaughter Megan Jones of Ogden, UT and great-great grandchildren Rylan and Kalia Mae also of Ogden, UT. Edna is survived by step-great-grandchildren with whom she lived for many years: Linelle Scott of Arnold, MD and Jacob Scott of Raleigh, NC whom Edna sweetly and aptly dubbed her “humble servant.” Jake was always there to help. Edna was a most dignified sensible woman. She never complained about anything. She was a living lesson in tolerance, unconditional love and forgiveness. But, her fun loving side was always at the ready. After all, she did save the spent 9mm shell casing from firing her grandson’s gun into the air on New Year’s Eve at the turn of the century.Rest in peace, Edna. ‘Til we meet again. Memorial service will take place Saturday September 14, 2013 at 7:00 pm with Rev. Gary Manthorne officiating. Memorial contributions can be made in honor of Edna to the SPCA and any veteran organization.