Helen Edna Edwards

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Today's Beautiful Thing..... Memories. Memories of a woman who was feisty, and giving, and oh, so independent! Helen took me under her broad wings when we lived in Butler, Alabama and I was pregnant with Kaitlin. She was the "adopted Grandma" to first Kaitlin, and then Rachel. Giving them baby showers, and later with her great love for reading she sent them books for many years on their birthdays. If someone needed "help", she was one of first to volunteer. She visited in the nursing home, "did hair" for the patients there, and encouraged me to share baby Kaitlin with the souls there who didn't get a chance to see babies and little children running down the street anymore. She taught me to play bridge, with the sage advice to learn the etiquette of the game so people would think you knew how to play! Helen, and husband Ted were transferred. We were transferred. But we stayed in touch over the years and I always celebrated her birthday which was 30 years + 1 month to the day ahead of mine. I finally was able to visit her last summer and we had a wonderful time. Early this morning I received this note from Helen's daughter, Kate Edwards: "Today My amazing mother stepped over the threshold so calmly, so wisely leaving her body behind for me to cover in flowers and love and endless, endless gratitude." Helen was truly amazing. Rest in peace dear friend. I will miss you until we meet again. With love, Karla

Photos of Helen thru the years

From my forever friend, Greta Belanger deJong, who lives in Salt Lake City, written on September 2, 2014: Those of you who know me know that I am an expert yard-saler. I come by that skill genetically (that's a story for another day), and by excellent example--from Helen Edwards, patron saint of my Saturday mornings and mother of my lifelong friend Kate Edwards. Helen (who lived many years "back east" where they call them tag sales), had a wry sense of humor, no BS about her, but a truly generous heart. She remembered people's birthdays. She asked questions. And as a yard saler, she was pro: She carried a notebook in which she jotted others' desires and needs. She kept young moms supplied with baby clothes. To me, the flower lover, she sent pretty vases (and, once, a flowing black velvet robe). Her husband wanted to buy her a BMW but she preferred a small truck--better for hauling home her finds. She left this world last Friday. I'm so glad I got to spend time with her on my visit to Wisconsin this past July, and will continue to send her affection and thanks on Saturday mornings when I venture out into the land of recycled curiosities. Love always, Mother Helen, from Greta.