Obituary of Edna K. Giles

Edna K. Giles, wife of the late Sterling A. Giles, passed away on Sunday, May 27^th.  Edna’s journey began in 1927 on a farm in Bridgton, Maine. She left home at age 14 and worked as a housekeeper in exchange for room and board in order to attend high school. She was valedictorian of her class, giving a speech entitled “Let Me Be Your Eyes” dedicated to her father. She also had the lead role in the school play, a musical. She did not audition for the play, but the lead actress came down with the measles shortly before opening night. The director asked Edna if she would step in because they couldn’t think of anyone else that would be able to memorize the lines in time. After her brief time in the limelight she moved again to Boston. It was here that a mutual friend introduced her to a young man who was also from Maine, Sterling Giles. For many years they moved often, going from Boston to Long Island then back to Maine, finally reaching Connecticut in 1958. In 1962 they made the last big move to Westbrook, where Edna lived for over 50 years. During the years in Westbrook she came close to reaching one of her earlier goals. Edna wanted to attend college for Accounting, but was afraid to take out a loan. While in Westbrook, after years as waitress, retail salesperson, then as a seamstress, she spent her happiest years as a bookkeeper at the Westbrook Concrete Block Company. Her final few months were spent at Brookdale in West Hartford, where she made a number of new friends. She will be long remembered for her exquisite knitting.  Edna is survived by her sister Lois Johnson, 2 daughters (and sons-in-law) Karen Clark (and Richard Clark) and Jeanne Giles (and John Seaton), 2 grandchildren Tricia and Christopher Clark, 2 great-grandchildren Kacie Brennan and Max Clark, and 2 granddogs Fezzik & Inigo. Edna was predeceased by a son Stephen Giles, and her siblings Betsy, James, Marion and Arthur. Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 31^st from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Robinson, Wright, and Weymer Funeral Home located at 34 Main Street in Centerbrook. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in her name may be made to Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, 103 Vision Way, Bloomfield, CT 06002.