Nova Pauline Edman

April 8, 1918 – July 18, 2019

Ralph and Cecile Thompson came up with the beautiful name, Nova Pauline. Nova, a unique name, or affectionately called Nova Scotia.

Born April 8, 1918, a time when the world was in such upheaval with World War I, she lived her life always a peacemaker when it came to family or social matters. "You know what happens when teasing gets out of control," she'd say.

She talked about her family, especially her older brother Keith, growing up on the farm. "I love animals, but not in the house."

She was able to adjust to all the changes in her 101 years on this earth. "You get used to hanging, if you hang long enough." At 101 Nova hated out living her friends, relatives, neighbors.

She loved pansies. A good cup of tea, real jewelry, gifts from Bob, nice clothing, and panty hose.

She and Bob wrote their own love story enjoying 67 years of marriage. They met in Utica when they were 15 and Bob was shy, but smitten with beautiful Nova.

She had moved from Fredericktown to Utica, where her parents continued farming bringing along her other brother Gene and her sister Eleanor.

Nova loved school and her teachers at UHS where she graduated in 1936. Loving school so much, she must have passed on that passion to her youngest son, Steve, who taught school in Utica for 30 years.

Nova's talents. Beautiful penmanship. A self-taught artist. Amateur organist. Pie baker extraordinaire.

Her real talent was raising her three sons, Robert Lynn, Richard Eugene and Don Stephen. She taught them (and Bob, too) the skills of housekeeping, running the sweeper, cleaning, cooking and ironing. Her daughters –in-law, Barb, Tammy, Janis, Kay, and Marilyn were appreciative.

30 years in Tennessee, but always a Yankee at heart, she was a Cubs fan converted to Cleveland Indians, and loved that Grady Sizemore.

In Martin, Tenn., even in her 80's, Nova powering her own riding lawn mower, she continued her love of a perfect mowed lawn, lots of flowers, and the prestigious sign in front of their spotless white ranch home, "Yard of the month."

Those 30 years in Tennessee allowed them plenty of opportunity to spend time with their four grandsons, Brad, Jason (Suzie), Matthew (April) and Nathaniel. Then, along came the great grandkids, Shelby, Thomas and Lauren. After they moved to Ohio, she enjoyed visits from Chris (Chris), Luke, Nick and Cate.

Back in Ohio, she loved her new home in Newark. Bob, not so sure about the Condo life.

Steve and daughter-in-law Marilyn provided love, companionship, daily care and support during the last seven years of her journey with Alzheimer's.

Up until her death, Thursday, July 18, in her own home, Nova fell asleep with Steve by her side, just as she always wanted it to be.

A private graveside service will be held at Patterson Cemetery.

To sign an online guestbook please visit www.law-bakerfuneralhome.com .