Vivian Edwards

Vivian A. Edwards, 86, of Beach Park, IL died on Wednesday, December 31, 2014 at Vista Medical Center East in Waukegan. She was born July 28, 1928 in Waukegan and grew up in Zion. She started studying accordion at the age of 8 at McElroy Studio in Zion. After a long succession of local teachers, she attended the Rizzo School of Music in Chicago, which is one of the few accredited schools conferring bachelor of music degrees for accordion majors. It was there she studied with Mario Moschin, Chicago's foremost accordion instructor. Vivian had taught for accordion schools in Kenosha and Racine and in her early teens played as soloist for Zion Jr. Band. She played professionally as a soloist and with bands in Lake County and Chicago. She earned her Bachelor's degree in 1969 from Pestalozzi Froebel Teachers College in Chicago, received her Masters degree from National Louis University in 1974, and took additional classes at Carthage College to become a reading specialist. Vivian began teaching at East School in Zion in 1969, moved to Beulah Park School in 1972, and retired from teaching in 2003 after 34 years. After retirement she continued as a substitute teacher in Zion Schools. She loved her students and was a mentor to many students and colleagues. She also loved gardening both flowers and vegetables and held a special passion for her pets, especially her Scotties Schwepps, Max, Kate, and Whiskey Bae. Survivors include cousin Joyce Moon of Winthrop Harbor, IL; niece Diane Corder of Mundelein, IL; special friends Marion Osenga of Racine, WI, Nancy Inskeep of Gurnee, IL, and Chuck Blair of Beach Park, IL; and a specially loved student who would light up her life, Joe Daniels. She was preceded in death by her husband, Buford "Bee" Edwards; father Fred Hensley; and her mother and step-father Cora and Carl Holmes. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2015, at 11:00 a.m. at CONGDON FUNERAL HOME, 3012 Sheridan Road, Zion, IL, with Rev. Jeffrey E. Koth of St. Mark's Evangelical Lutheran Church of Waukegan officiating. Private interment will be held later at Lake Mound Cemetery in Zion. In lieu of flowers memorial donations to Tracys Doggone Farm, 39636 Kilbourne Road, Wadsworth, IL 60083 have been suggested.