Edna Mae Charney's Obituary
Edna Mae Charney, 87, of Rocky River, OH, died peacefully at her home on September 22, 2024, after an admirable battle with a tireless and cruel disease, with her loving husband and family by her side. Though Edna’s physical being has left this world, her spirit will live on forever in her husband, children, and grandchildren who will forever remember her fierce devotion, steadfast strength, and the countless memories they shared together.
Born on June 6, 1937, in Lloydell, PA, Edna was the daughter of the late Margaret and James Bailey. She is preceded in death by her infant daughter Lisa Denise, her older brother James (Jim), and her younger, twin brothers Joseph (Joe) and William (Bill) Bailey. Edna graduated from Beaverdale-Wilmore High School, class of 1950, and shortly thereafter, she met her future husband, Jerry, and his flashy convertible. Edna was emphatically and decidedly not enamored with his love of cars, but soon she fell in love with the man. After a short, whirlwind romance, Edna and Jerry eloped, knowing they needed to spend every moment of the rest of their lives together. They officially married, in the presence of family and friends, on May 4, 1957, and began a family together. They would go on to celebrate over 67 years as husband and wife.
While her children were still at home, Edna decided to pursue a college education, and without ever shirking her responsibilities to home or family, she earned a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Penn State Shenango, where her professors and fellow students adored her. Edna loved treasure hunting and was relentless in her pursuit of the next great find, whether it was beachcombing on Cape Cod or garage sailing around her neighborhood.
Edna was cherished by her loving husband, Jerry; daughter Diana and husband, John; son Jerry, Jr. and wife, Kelly; son Ted and wife, Lydia; and daughter Carissa. She was a Nana for last forty years to fourteen grandchildren: Nicola Wilhelm, Marissa Wilhelm, Billy Lucien and wife Megan, and Andy Lucien; Matthew Charney and Samantha Charney; Hope Charney, and husband Cole, Madelyn Charney, and Ethan Charney; Olivia Campbell, Annabella Krupa, Jack Krupa, Lillian Krupa, and Evelyn Krupa; and one great grandson, Sebastian Lucien. She will be loved and missed every day.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Rocky River United Methodist Church at 11:00 am on November 9, 2024. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to the Cleveland Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.
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