Edna A. Coons

Edna Anna Coons, 98, of St. Joseph, MI, formerly of Chatam, NJ, passed away Tuesday, September 22, 2004 at Caretel Inns of Royalton, St. Joseph, where she has been residing since 1998. A memorial and burial service will be held at a later date for the immediate family in Hurley, NY. Local arrangements are by Kerley-Starks & Menchinger Funeral Home in St. Joseph, MI. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Mrs. Coons was born in Hempstead, NY, on July 26, 1906, to Henry and Mary (Alt) Schwedes. She graduated from Hempstead High School and then worked for many years as office manager for Estabrook Construction Company. On May 29, 1940, she married Charles H. Coons in Brooklyn, NY, and moved to Chatham, NJ until their relocation to St. Joseph. While living in Chatham, Edna was very active at the Ogden Memorial Presbyterian Church, where she taught Sunday School, was active in The Guild, worked at and ran the biannual Exchange Sale for countless years, served on various boards, and was a faithful member of the Sewing Group that met weekly to sew for the Battered Women?s Home of New Jersey. She was also a member of the Little Garden Club and had been active in Girl Scouting before and during her marriage. Her many travels included a memorable automobile trip across the US in 1937. She enjoyed playing the piano, reading, sewing, and spending time with her family. She was preceded in death by her husband Charles H. Coons, her brother Harold F. Schwedes, and her sister Edith E. Schwedes. Edna is survived by her daughters-Lucille (Edward) Eisele of St. Joseph, MI and Carol (George) Hayner of Montgomery, IL; five grandsons-William (Mari) Eisele of South Lyon, MI, Edward (Tamami) Eisele of London, UK, Matthew Hayner of Madison, WI, Douglas (Trisha) Hayner of Oswego, IL, and Michael Hayner of Montgomery, IL; five great-grandchildren-Anna& Paige Eisele, Andre Eisele, and Ainslee & Chase Hayner; and numerous nieces & nephews. Memorials should be made to the Library of the Chathams, 214 Main Street, Chatham, NJ, 07928