Mary Edison

Mary Edison passed away peacefully on October 17 in Tucson, Arizona. She was born in Kalamazoo to Fred and Bernice Rost. Mary was blessed with two grandmothers she adored as she grew up, Emma Rost and Mabel Schaffer. She married Jack Stiles and they raised their three children in family-friendly Milwood neighborhoods. Mary celebrated her children's birthdays with unique homemade cakes and parties with all their friends. She loved flowers and gardening and sent her children to school each spring with fresh bouquets for their teachers. Mary's life with her second husband, Ted Edison, included travel across the United States and Europe. They moved to a beach front home in South Haven where they enjoyed good friends, great parties and copious laughter and antics. Mary was always happiest at the beach. After retirement, Mary and Ted moved to Sarasota, Florida, bidding adieu to Michigan winters and bonjour to the white sands of Siesta Key. Mary brought her love of gardening to Florida via orchids. She had a most amazing collection adorning her pool and back yard. Mary was an interior decorator extraordinaire. Her homes were stunning and made all who entered feel welcome and comfortable. Their life in Florida included new friends, continued travel and much beach time. A hallmark of Mary's life was her dedication to physical fitness and healthy eating. She was a life long walker and avid tennis player and swimmer. Her girls couldn't help becoming avid walkers. Her son stepped it up a notch by running. Her refrigerator held healthy food, her cupboards devoid of junk food. We remember the time Teddy scanned the contents of the refrigerator and deadpanned, "It's kind of hard to get fat around here." For these things, we thank our mom. Mary is survived by her children, Kathleen Griffin, Mindy Stiles-Conrad (Tom), John Stiles (Judy); her grandchildren, Stephanie Griffin, Laura Griffin, Brooke Stiles; her great grandchildren, Blythe and Pierce Byrkit; her sister, Joyce Peterman; her nieces, Jody Peterman, Lorie LaPine. Bunny, her grand puppy who adored her is missing her fiercely. A celebration of life will be held later on the beach at South Haven.