Submitted by: Mary Jo Koran

SBT – January 22, 1999

Edna S. Pilarski

Aug. 8, 1909 - Jan. 11, 1999

''The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lay down in green pastures. He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul. He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Yea! Though I walk through the valley of death, I will fear no evil. For Thou are with me. Thy rod and Thy staff will comfort me.''

Edna R. Pilarski, 89, of South Miami Street, South Bend, Ind., went to be with the Lord at 8:45 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 11, in the home of her daughter after an illness.

She was born on Aug. 8, 1909, in Huntington, Ind., to Clara (Gehoff) Dra-benstot, and was a lifelong area resident. Mrs. Pilarski was a former employee of the Allied-Signal Corporation, was a cashier at the State Road 23 and Western Avenue Kroger's, and retired from the Fatima Retreat Center, Notre Dame, Ind.

On July 7, 1952, in South Bend, she married Ervin J. Pilarski, who passed away on Nov. 7, 1998. She was also preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Harold and Howard; and by three sisters, Gladys, Fern and Irene.

She is survived by a daughter, Nancy D. Hegland of South Bend; two sons, William R. Akin of South Bend and Ronald E. Akin of Granger, Ind.; four grandchildren, Gary Hegland of South Bend, Anthony W. Akin of Des Moines, Iowa, and Nicole M. and Rebecca J. Akin, both of Granger; and by many great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Pilarski was a charter member of the Starlight Lodge #181 of the Eastern Star, Elkhart, Ind., and received her 50-year pin; and had attended the Christian Center Cathedral of Praise.

Family and friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. today in the St. Joseph Funeral Home, 1827 E. Ireland Road.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday in the funeral home. Burial will follow at the St. Joseph Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the United Parkinson's Foundation, 833 W. Washington Blvd., Chicago, IL 60607.