Edith ‘Edie’ Gazza

Edie was born in Wakefield, on May 6, 1932. She was the only child of William Roberts and Loretta Saubert.

When young, Edie liked to ice skate, swim, sew, dance, go to movies, have pen pals, and get “penny postcards.”

In addition to her playing, she would set all the girls’ (and some women’s) hair. This was the beginning of her long work history. In fact, at the age of 13 she started working at a beauty shop folding towels, answering the phone, etc.

Edie worked for Michigan Bell Telephone Company for 22 years, and actually met her husband Roland (Rolly) Gazza while working at the telephone company in Wakefield. He said that every morning he would see a girl all bundled up walking by the lake. One day he stopped and asked her where she was going. The rest is history. They were married on Sept. 1, 1956.

When Edie was 44 years old, she started her own business — Edie’s Home Interiors — located in downtown Iron Mountain. She owned that business for 28 years. It was successful and brought her great joy. She always said that it was one of the things she was most proud of.

Along with the many community activities she was involved in over the years, Edie made time for friends; often entertaining at her home. She always had an open door, a cup of coffee, and something sweet ready for visitors! In fact, one thing she loved almost as much as Rolly and their dogs, was a good sweet roll or cookie!

Edie liked decorating and enjoyed doing so for the holidays, as well as just re-arranging things throughout the year. She had a decorator’s eye, and always had some thoughts on where things should be placed or how things could be moved around.

As she got older (after age 85!), she began to slow down, and the hard work she did all her life caught up with her. She became more limited with what she could do, but remarkably, stayed in great contact with friends and family — up until her passing. Those who were her friends would be the first to tell you how thoughtful and kind she was.

She is survived by cousins, Roger (Val) Saubert, Rick Saubert, and many other cousins, nieces and nephews.

Edie was preceded in death by her father, Bill; her mother, Loretta, and her husband Rolly — as well as many other family, friends and dogs.

Finally, Edie left instructions (as she would!) on who to thank. These are her words:

“Thank you to Norma Deau, friend and caregiver, for all the care she gave me, and for the comfort of always knowing she was just a phone call away.

Thank you to Chasity Hruska at UPCAP for all the concern, help and guidance she provided. She always went above and beyond.

Thank you to my friends and neighbors – Wayne, Merry, Fran, Lou/Terry, for all of the help you gave me. Your help allowed me to stay in my home for as long as I could.

Thank you to my many friends — Larry, Toni, Anna, Pat N., Sherry (Florida), Mary (West Bend), Marion (my oldest friend), really too many to mention — for stopping by to visit and/or calling me.

And lastly, to my niece and nephew — Vickie and Doug Patterson from Green Bay. They came twice per month for six years to make sure I didn’t need anything. These were working trips; always found things for them to do.

I could not have made it this far without all of you to cheer me on. I thank you.”

At Edie’s request, there will be no service, however, a luncheon for family and friends will be held at a later date to celebrate and remember Edie and her life.

Condolences to the family of Edith “Edie” Marie (Roberts) Gazza may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.