Edna Willis Passes Away

Edna C. Willis 84, long-time resident of Reading, died at home surrounded by her loving family on Aug. 8 from complications due to lung cancer.

Born on October 23, 1932 to Grace (Williams) and Frank Frederick Hollerieth in Bridgeport, CT. A graduate of Bulkeley High School in Hartford, CT, Edna went on to work as a secretary at Shipman & Goodwin in Hartford, and Massachusetts Investors Trust by State Street Bank and Trust Company in Boston before becoming a mother and housewife. As a young woman, Edna played the piano and sang in the Saengerbund choir.

Beloved wife for 52 years of the late Mitchell C. Willis. Devoted mother of Christine Willis of Reading, Christopher Willis and his wife Michelle of Wilmington, Frederick Willis and his wife Melissa of Woburn, and step-mother to Mitch Willis and his wife Pamela of Stafford Springs, CT, Anna and her husband Vinnie Kiewlen of Bonita Springs, FL, Beverly and her late husband Alex Eager of Sarasota, FL, Constance and her husband Christopher Wocell of West Townsend, VT, and Geraldine and her husband Nasser Arab of Naples, FL. Cherished grandmother of Cameron, Evan, Zachary and Mackenzie Willis. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by sisters Frances Olschefskie, Joan Czaikowski and Laureen Hollerieth in infancy. Survived by her sweet cat, Fink.

An elegant woman and always a lady, Edna’s greatest joy was being a mother and grandmother. Edna loved the sun and enjoyed many a summer vacation with her family on Cape Cod and winters in Cape Coral, FL with her husband. One of her joys was the theater and she attended many a play at the Quannapowitt Players and the North Shore Music Theatre with her friends. A devout Catholic, Edna worshipped regularly at St. Agnes Parish.

Visiting hours will be held Sunday, August 13, at the Douglass, Edgerley and Bessom Funeral Home, 25 Sanborn St., Reading from 4-8 p.m. Funeral Service on Monday, August 14, at St. Agnes Parish, 186 Woburn St., Reading at 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to two charities Edna supported throughout her life: St. Joseph’s Indian School, 1301 North Main Street, Chamberlain, SD 57325 and Carroll Center for the Blind, 770 Centre Street, Newton, MA 02458.