EDWARDS, Stella Rose
Age 78
Of Lawrence
Passed away Sunday, March 22, 2009 at Bronson Methodist Hospital, Kalamazoo. Stella was born Stella Filipczyk on September 16, 1930 in Chicago. She was the daughter of Felix and Rose (Brumber) Filipczyk. They preceded her in passing, along with her first husband, Howie Schoenberger; two sisters, Florence and Jean; and a brother, Rudy. On October 13, 1953, she married her soulmate, Everett "Eddy" Edwards, who also preceded her in passing. Stella and Eddy met at Camp Farr in Indiana and in 1964, they moved to Lawrence and completed their dream of owning their own summer camp, when they founded Lakeside Farm Camp, later changing the name to Cedar Lodge. Stella spent her entire adult life nourishing the hearts and souls of young people through her and her husband's lifetime passion of owning and running children summer camps. Her love of music, flowers and animals were gifts she presented daily to those who knew and loved her. Stella is survived by four children, Chuck and Pat (Griffin) Edwards, David and Nan (Kohlmann) Edwards, Sally and Gene Butler and Amy Edwards, along with seven grandchildren and six great grandchildren. The family will welcome friends from 1 to 3 PM Friday, March 27 at the Leonard Funeral Home, Lawrence , where the Mass of Christian service to honor her memory will commence at 3 PM Father Robert Flickinger of the St. Basil Catholic Church, South Haven, will serve as celebrant. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that those wishing to make a donation can donate to a Scholarship Fund being set up in Stella's name at Cedar Lodge, being created to change the lives of even more children or you may donate to a Children's Charity of your choice.
Published in the Kalamazoo Gazette on 3/24/2009 (Posted by a VOLUNTEER-NO family connection)