EDNA S. GROSS's Obituary
EDNA S. GROSS
GROSS, EDNA S., 98, passed away on Tuesday, December 26, 2017 at her home in Miami, FL. A resident of Miami since the late 1970s, she lived much of her prior life in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Edna was born December 22, 1919 in Canby, MN. She was a daughter of Joseph L. Schwartz, Sr. and Mary “Jo” Kapinos Schwartz. Edna’s life epitomized what has been called the Greatest Generation. Her parents, children of Czech immigrants, insisted that their children go to school and attain professional careers. However, considering that Edna was born before women could vote, her career options were limited. She chose to become a teacher, and Edna turned out to be an educator par excellence. Beginning her career teaching in a one-room schoolhouse, her later posts encompassed rural and city schools, primary and secondary education, and the former High School of the University of Michigan.
Edna earned her Bachelor’s degree at Morehead State University. She majored in Education and Biology, with minors in Physics, Chemistry, General Science, and Social Studies. She was awarded her Master’s degree by the University of Michigan, where she was selected to study with the nationally renowned professor, educator, and author Dr. Francis Curtis.
Edna had many stories and narratives describing growing up on a rural farm during the Great Depression. She recalled that her birth was the only Christmas present the family had that year. Her many tales included making dolls out of ears of corn and hand sewing clothes for them. A typical winter included snowdrifts up to the top of the second story farmhouse. The Dust Bowl stretched its devastation far to the north, including her farm. Edna’s interest in science began with chores on the farm: caring for many animals, crops, vegetables, and fruits, as well as battling insects, pestilence and rodents. In college, she worked as a box office cashier for 10 cents an hour. No better example can be found of the Greatest Generation, emerging from poverty, and achieving the American Dream through study, self-sufficiency, determination and hard work.
Edna’s major emphasis in life, however, was her family. She married Roy Gross, a future dentist, on April 7, 1951, and treasured their marriage of 62 years. Their only child is Steven Gross, now 63, of Oxnard, California.
Edna devoted a tremendous amount of effort doing everything she could to help her husband, especially in his dental practice. For son Steven, she left no stone unturned in supporting and encouraging his career and other aspirations.
Steven is married to the former Julie Callahan of Ventura, California. He has two children, Katie, plus Mike and his wife Lily. Dr. Steven Gross is Professor of French Horn at the University of California - Santa Barbara.
Edna S. Gross is survived by her son, Steven (Julie), sister-in-law Jackie Parish of Checotah, Oklahoma, as well as nephews and nieces Jay and Paul Schwartz, Glenn and Peter Cornell, Colleen Hughes, Penny Weld, Patty Jelkin, Marilyn, Jerome, Sharleen Bruns, plus John and David Parish. Preceding Edna in death were her husband Roy, her parents, and siblings Joseph Jr., Barbara, Mary, Julia, Anna, Libbie, Blanche, Martha, Frank, and Glen.
A Memorial and Celebration will be held at 3:00 pm Thursday, January 4, at the Van Orsdel Kendall Chapel. Interment will be in Michigan.
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