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Hembree, Edith (Edie) G.
Edith (Edie) G. Hembree, 88, a resident of Garnett Place in Cedar Rapids, passed away Monday, May 7, 2012, at Mercy Medical Center, following a sudden illness. Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 11, in the Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories, officiated by family friend and caretaker, Pastor Carol Mart of Clarence United Methodist Church. Family will greet friends between 10 and 11 a.m. Friday, before the funeral service. Burial will follow at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.
Edie was born Sept. 1, 1923, in Skaneateles, N.Y., to Frederick J. and Elizabeth A. (Sothern) Wilson. She attended Business College in Syracuse, N.Y. On Nov. 15, 1952, she married John W. Hembree in Elbridge, N.Y. Edith worked as an administrative assistant for the City of Cedar Rapids for 25 years, in the Department of Planning & Redevelopment and for former safety commissioner, Floyd Bergen. She attended Westminster Presbyterian Church and St. Mark's United Methodist Church.
Edie is survived by her two daughters, Ann (Eric) Hearn and Karen Zazza of Cedar Rapids; four grandchildren, Bradley Zichterman (Paula Ameral) of Vernonia, Ore., Eric (Sara) Zichterman of Marion, Michelle Zazza (Jay Yoder) and Holly Zazza of Cedar Rapids; two great-grandchildren, Hayden Zazza-Taylor and Reid Zichterman; and her beloved cats, Tuxedo and Calico.
She was preceded in death by her husband, John; sister, Florence Delapp; brother, John Wilson; son-in-law, Alan Zazza; and her parents.
Edie was a devoted wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother and aunt who loved to spend time with her family. She particularly enjoyed her trips back home to New York State to visit her family there, as well as to the Kansas City area to visit her husband's family. Edie was a kind, sweet, gentle soul, which was frequently noted by the many caretakers with whom she interacted over the past several years. Her love for animals ensured that many shelter pets received a safe and loving home.
In lieu of flowers, friends are encouraged to contribute to the Cedar Valley Humane Society in Cedar Rapids, or another animal shelter or rescue program of their choosing, in her memory.
Online condolences may be directed to under Obituaries.
Published in The Gazette May 10, 2012.
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