Edith Marie OKonski

Edith “Edie” M. O’Konski, 92, of Dowagiac, MI passed away on Sunday, September 30, 2018, at her residence. A Celebration of Life service will take place on Friday, October 5, 2018 at 1 PM at Clark Chapel & Cremation Services, 405 Center St., Dowagiac, with Pastor Russell Haines officiating. Burial will follow at Mission Hills Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Dowagiac VFW Post 1855. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.clarkch.com. Edie was born on December 8, 1925 in South Bend, IN, to Walter & Sophia (Hall) Benjamin. She began working on her family farm as a child and learned the value of a hard day’s work. Edie started her career in manufacturing at the former First Consolidated Dye Cast Company. She later relocated to the company formally called Contech, where she worked as a laborer for 32 years before retiring. After retirement, Edie joined the Contech Retirement Committee, where she helped to throw parties for all past and present retired employees and became a Greeter at Contech’s door. Edie’s favorite holiday was undoubtably Christmas. She would decorate the inside of her home with anything and everything Christmas related. She loved to have all of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren over on Christmas Eve. Edie was also an avid sender of birthday cards, she would never fail on sending her friends and family their birthday card and having it arrive on the exact day of their birthday. She also enjoyed collecting eagles and yearly photos of her loving family members. Edie was an incredible and caring lady who will be missed by all. Edie is survived by her children, James (Linda) O’Konski of Edwardsburg, MI, Randolph (Sharon) O’Konski of Decatur, MI, Terry Fosdick of Cassopolis, MI and Ricky (Donna) O’Konski of Dowagiac; grandchildren, Joshua (Gayle) O’Konski, Scott (Kerri) Wade, Tracy (Travis) Shaw, Michael (Brooklynn) O’Konski, Melissa (Phil) O’Konski, Kayla (Mike) O’Konski, Pearlee (Dean) Frye, Jason (Sally) Keen, Kasey (Larry) Sibley, Dustin (Robin) Kurzhal, and Jennifer Kurzhal; and 31 great-grandchildren. Edie was preceded in death by her parents, Walter & Sophia; siblings, John Benjamin, Ernest Morrison, Don Benjamin, Helen Hebner, Pearl Dinges, and Elizabeth Fadder; and granddaughter, Bobbie Keen.