Kalamazoo, Michigan- Mabel Marguerite Edwards, of Kalamazoo, formerly of LeRoy, passed away quietly on Thursday, July 20, 2017 at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo.  She was 99.  

Mabel was born in LeRoy, Michigan to Don and Edith (Sawyer) Edwards on September 22, 1917.  She worked in Pontiac in the 50's as a machinist, then moved to Wellston to be with her daughter, both working at the Wellston Inn, later she moved to Ionia and owned a restaurant across from the Ionia Fairgrounds. when her restaurant was sold she took the civil service test and began her career with the State of Michigan, working as a caregiver at Fort Custer State Home in Augusta. When the facility was scheduled to close she transferred to the Gaylord State Home in Gaylord where she made her home until she retired at 62.  Having property in LeRoy she spent her summers there and her winters in Kalamazoo until she sold her home in Gaylord and permanently retired in LeRoy.  

Mabel was a member of the Moose Lodge and Eagles for many years, she loved bowling, playing euchre, traveling and her family.  In 1969, she and her sister Marian started the Edwards Family Reunion, now in it's 49th year.  She loved all her family. And they planned and organized it for many years. 

Mabel is survived by her sister: Alva (Robert) Schrader, step-son Pete (June) Somsel, two grandchildren, Cindi (Arthur) Laws and Robert Gibson: four great grandchildren: Robert Gibson II, Kristina (Jeff) Grey, Craig Laws, and Caron Laws.  six great, great grandchildren; Kalliope, Odin, Corbin, Coltin, Roland, Carolynn, and Tyler.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Carol J. Gibson-Somsel; great, great granddaughter, Taylor Marie; three brothers, Russell, Kenneth, Donald Edwards and one sister, Marian Vandenburg.  

Funeral Services will be conducted on Monday, July 24, 2017 at 1pm with visitation held one hour prior at Fosnaught-Holdship Funeral Home, 406 E. Main St., Marion, MI.  Interment will take place at Maple Hill Cemetery in LeRoy.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society, National Multiple Sclerosis Society or the charity of your choice.  
 

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