Edna Grieco, 84, of State College died Monday,June 26, 2006 at the Geisinger Medical Center in Danville. She was born July 27, 1921, in Bellefonte, Pa., a daughter of the late George and Emma Monsell Coder.
In 1948, she married Martin W. Grieco, an architect who survives at home.
She is survived by one son, Gregory of State College; two daughters, Gayleen Pfile of State College and Ginger Grieco of Potter Township; three grandchildren: Alicia Pfile, Lyndsey Hylbert and Harley Grieco, all of State College; one sister, Betty Rio of Sweeney, Texas; and several nieces and nephews and grand-nieces and nephews. Also surviving are daughter-in-law Vicki Fong, State College; and son-in-law Capt. James Bloom, (Navy) of Washington D.C.
Preceding her in death were brothers: Maurice (Dutch), Robert, Charles, Ronald (Buck), Wilbur (Did) Coder and sisters: Dorothy Benner, Mary Catherine Reese, Martha Winifred McGinley, and Grace Kustanbauter.
Gardening, particularly pine trees and flowers such as yellow marigolds, irises and bird of paradise plants, were a passion for Edna. No matter where they lived, Edna and Martin would slowly nurture the flower beds and add "posies" to create mini-arboretums.
Watching birds at the porch feeder was another beloved past time, particularly cardinals, chickadees and finches. She always kept one eye on the feeder, commenting on which feathered friend had arrived onto the perch for an easy meal. She diligently shooed away the relentless squirrels that constantly sneaked into the feeder for an easy meal.
Also, Edna was known for cooking dishes such as her ham pot pie, nut rolls, filled raisin cookies and sand tarts at Christmas time, and pork and sauerkraut, complementing her husband's well-known spaghetti sauce.
Overall, Edna enjoyed visits from her family, neighbors and friends and was "grandma" to many of their children and grandchildren, always keeping candy and cookie jars full for little hands and big hands. "Give me a hug" was always asked of all children stepping into their home.
A Methodist, she was the first in her family to graduate from Bellefonte Area High School, having worked at various jobs since age 12 to support her family. Prior to her marriage, she was employed on the production line at Piper Aircraft in Lock Haven during World War II, stretching canvas over aircraft wing frames and met her future husband at the factory. Afterward, she mainly raised her family as a homemaker, living in Houserville when "Benner Pike was a two-lane road" and then in Laurel, Md., until their retirement back to State College in the early 1980s.
Other important family members were her schnauzers: Schultz and Gidget and Katie, a Yorkshire Terrier, who were treated royally with specially cooked meals of hamburger, rice and mixed vegetables.
Funeral arrangements are under the Mark D. Heintzelman Funeral Home, 1034 Benner Pike, State College, Pa.
Friends will be received at the funeral home from 2 to 3 p.m., Saturday immediately followed by a memorial service with the Rev. Steven Lynn officiating. A private burial will be in the Boalsburg Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 300 Penn Center Blvd., Suite 602, Pittsburgh, PA 15235.
A guest book can be signed at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com then click on obituaries.