Mrs. Edie E. Safko, born Edeltrauda E. Boehm in Katowitcz, Republic of Poland, passed away on June 28, 2011. She was 80 years young. Ms. Edie was preceded in death by her husband, David Safko, her parents, Johannes and Elfryda Pietruszanka Boehm, and by her long-time companion, Mr. Robert Choatie. Ms. Edie is survived by her son, Lawrence Safko of Clarksville, daughter, Larraine Safko Nobes (Stephen Nobes) of Vine Grove, Kentucky, her granddaughter, Katharine M. Lee (Aaron Lee) of San Antonio, Texas, and one brother, Egon Boehm of Butzbach, Germany.
Ms. Edie, had been employed by Vulcan Rubber Company, Ogles Salvage Mart, and Mason-Hughes Sewing Company. She was a strong and vocal advocate for Veterans rights, and helped many veterans, their spouses and widows, obtain service-connected entitlements. Ms. Edie believed strongly in higher education. She, her husband, and both children attended Austin Peay State University at the same time in the 1970s. Because she served time in a Soviet work camp, she was patriotic, and extremely proud of being a United States citizen.
Visitation will be July 7, 2011 5:00-6:00 pm followed by celebrating the life of this undeniable character from 6:00-8:00 pm, all at Neal-Tarpley-Parchman Funeral Home in Clarksville. Private burial services will be at Fort Donelson Veterans Cemetery. Ms. Edie would have said, "If you didn't bring flowers before, it's too late now." So, in lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in her name to establish a scholarship fund at Austin Peay State University. Make donations at Regions Bank. The family thanks the nurses at AseraCare Hospice for their unwavering support during Ms. Edie's long fight against pancreatic cancer.
Online condolences can be made at www.neal-tarpley.com.
Arrangements entrusted to Neal-Tarpley-Parchman Funeral Home 1510 Madison Street Clarksville, TN. 37040. 931-645-6488.