Edith Scott

Although her life was filled with many things, there was nothing that Edith Scott treasured more than caring for her beloved family. Some view being a wife and mother to be demanding roles with little reward, yet Edith saw these roles as both her highest calling and her greatest blessing. With the love of her life by her side for 60 years, she was overjoyed to welcome grandchildren into the family later in life. It was clear by the choices Edith made that she was a woman of faith, and it was this same faith that put the song in her heart and provided the strength she needed during times of great trial. She leaves behind lessons in sacrifice, humility, and unconditional love that are a testament to a life well lived.

Nestled within the vibrant decade of the Roaring Twenties was the year 1926 that boasted of several noteworthy events. This was the year that Route 66 was developed and with more cars on the road than ever before, people were able to get where they needed to be with ease. It was on June 10th of this same year that a young couple from Alpena, Michigan, was doubly blessed with the births of twin girls. Edith June and her twin sister, Elsie, were the second and third children born to their parents, Arthur and Esther (Werner) Neumann. Ironically, the man who would become her husband was born in the same hospital room just eight days after she was born. There were eight children in Edith’s family altogether including one other set of twins. Her father worked at Huron-Portland Cement while her mother was a LPN at Alpena General Hospital. Edith was raised in the family home in the small town of Alpena alongside her sisters, Ernestine, Ruth, Esther, and Mabel in addition to Elsie, and her brothers, James and William. The Neumann family was a close knit group who was of German descent and deeply religious.

As the prosperity of the 1920s gave way to the Great Depression of the thirties, Edith’s family felt the strain along with countless other American families. Her family worked hard to weather the storm and relied on the produce they grew in their own garden to lessen the financial strain. As a young girl Edith found fun where she could, often roller skating, fishing, and camping. She and her family regularly attended church where Edith was part of the choir as music and singing were always an important part of her life. She attended local schools through the ninth grade, leaving school at that time to work so that she could contribute to the family’s income.

Life was forever changed for Edith when she met the young man who stole her heart as a teenager. His name was Robert C. Scott, and they met in the neighborhood and were proof that opposites attract as he was quiet while Edith was more outgoing. Deeply in love, they were married on February 22, 1947. Together they were blessed with two children, Robert Jr. and Mary. From the moment she got married Edith treasured her role as a wife, and when she became a mother her life only got better. Both she and Robert were an active part of their children’s lives and treasured spending time as a family. Some of their most memorable times were spent taking their children places even if it was just for picnics, Sunday drives or visiting family Mary looked forward to coming home from school during lunch break every day as Edith was always there for her and had something ready for her to eat while spending time together.

Although her primary focus was always on her family, Edith’s life was enriched in other ways as well. She was passionate about bowling and was privileged to play on a team with the same teammates for more than 40 years. Edith’s teammates were great friends, and each year she hosted them at the hunting camp for fun-filled parties. As a group they also won several tournaments through the years. Edith was also a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church and of the ladies auxiliary of VFW Post #2496. She loved gardening and had breathtaking gardens to show for her efforts. She had taken a painting class and excelled at it, giving her another fun hobby to enjoy. Edith was a nature lover who also enjoyed camping, often spending time at hunting camp, and riding on the golf cart while she lived with Mary and Randy.

Throughout her life Edith treasured spending time with those she loved. Her extended family remained an important part of her life, and for many years holidays were spent together and reunions were regularly held as well. Edith loved being a grandmother and spent time with her three grandchildren as often as she could. One of the greatest milestones of her life was reaching 50 years of marriage with her beloved Robert.

The last three years of Edith’s life was spent at an adult memory care home, Cherry Hill Haven, in Traverse City where she continued to spread her warmth to those around her.

There were so many things that made Edith Scott such an extraordinary woman. She had a certain spunk about her, and with her fun-loving personality she was always willing to try just about anything. One never needed to wonder what was on her mind as she was usually outspoken with her thoughts, and her famous phrase was, “You wanna believe it.” Edith was there for her loved ones in ways both great and small, and she fully devoted her life to loving the family she treasured. She will be deeply missed and warmly remembered.

Edith June Scott, formerly of Alpena, died Friday, April 13, 2012, at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City. Edith’s family includes her children, Mary (Randy) Peek of Buckley, MI, Robert (Cynthia) Scott, Jr. of Saugus, MA; three grandchildren, Brian, Kristen, and Debra; three great-grandchildren, Cadence, Anthony, Silas Robert; two sisters, Esther Male of Florida and Mabel (Darwin) Mausolf of Alpena; and brother, William (Gloria) Neumann of Alpena. Edith was preceded in death by three sisters, Elsie Cousineau (her twin), Ernestine Mausolf, Ruth Withun; and brother, James Neumann. Edith Scott is at McWilliams Funeral Home – Alpena where friends may call on Monday from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and on Tuesday, April 17, 2012, at Immanuel Lutheran Church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. James Erickson officiating. Interment will be at Pilgrim’s Rest Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church. Please visit Edith’s personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory or sign the on-line guest book.