Celeste Edwards

Celeste Marianna Edwards

Age 101, and a lifelong resident of Coal City, Celeste passed away Tuesday, January 19, 2021 at Heritage Health of Dwight during the COVID Pandemic of 2020-21.

Born April 23, 1919 in Coal City, during the Spanish Influenza Pandemic of 1918-19, Celeste was a daughter of Celestino and Marianna (Savant) Togliatti. She was the 7th child born to Celestino and Marianna. She was raised by her mother and older siblings due to her father’s death, which was a result of the 1918-19 Spanish Influenza 5 months prior to her birth. She graduated with the class of 1935 from Coal City High School, and on September 24, 1938, Celeste married John “Jack” James Edwards in the Rectory of Assumption Catholic Church in Coal City. Following the death of Jack in 1961, Celeste gained employment with UniRoyal, where she worked until her retirement. She was a member of Assumption Catholic Church and served as Secretary for the Village of Eileen.

One who loved handiwork, she was a skilled and talented seamstress, Celeste enjoyed quilting, and was proud to have made many quilts for her relatives. Each new bride and new baby in the family was the recipient of one of her quilts. In addition, she tailored many clothes and passed a great amount of time knitting and crocheting. Celeste was a pristine homemaker, and will be remembered for her homemade ravioli, as well as kolaczkis and gnocchi. She also took pleasure tending to her home, flower beds and garden.

Survivors include her three daughters: Sharon (Gary) Bunton of Coal City, Karen (Jack) Nicoletti of California and Jacquelyn (Raymond) Hren of Coal City; (10) grandchildren: Celeste (Mike) Sheridan, John (Ellen) Bunton, Ryan (Sheila) Bunton, Brock (Natalie) Bunton, John (Annie) Nicoletti, Jason (Suzi) Nicoletti, Jenelle (Joe) Maris, John (Jill) Hren, Christopher (Kelley) Hren and Nicole (Gideon) Blustein; (24) great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Celeste was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Jack and six siblings.

A private Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Assumption Catholic Church in Coal City, with Reverend Sebastian Gargol presiding. Those wishing to participate in Celeste's services virtually, are welcome to watch the live-streamed service on Thursday, January 28, 2021 beginning at 10:30 a.m. A link for the event will be available on Celeste's memorial page.

Burial will be in Braceville-Gardner Cemetery, where Celeste will be laid to rest with her late husband, Jack. Her grandchildren will serve as pallbearers and honorary pallbearers.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Celeste’s memory to Assumption Catholic Church, Unit #1 Foundation and Joliet Area Hospice.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the guest book, upload photographs, and share Celeste’s memorial page online through social media by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com/obituary/Celeste-Edwards

To read a comprehensive biography 'Celeste Edwards - A Remarkable Life', which was compiled by Celeste's granddaughter, Celeste Sheridan, please follow the link: https://online.fliphtml5.com/kaqqw/blbd/?1611462427873

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Coal City. ( 815/634-2125 )