WALENTA - Marie Edwards Age 96, a resident of Lutheran Care, Clinton, NY, died Monday, June 17, 2019. She was born on November 25, 1922 in Utica, the daughter of the late Stanley Burton Edwards and Mary Detore Edwards. She attended Thomas R. Proctor High School and graduated in 1940. She graduated from St. Elizabeth College of Nursing in 1942. She was a veteran of World War II, serving stateside as a nurse in the United States Army. After her military service, she continued her nursing career working locally at Broadacres Hospital, General Hospital and at Utica Memorial Hospital. She was married to Rev. Paul Parks Walenta on July 29, 1956. Rev. Walenta died on March 26, 2003. Marie was a loving mother and grandmother. She always opened her heart and her home to family and friends. Her greatest love was her family, which she guided with wisdom, compassion and a calm inner strength. She also loved gardening, nature, cooking, reading and doing crossword puzzles. Mrs. Walenta is survived by two sons and a daughter-in-law, Peter Edwards Walenta of New Hartford and John Mark Walenta and Linda Walenta of Toronto, Ontario, Canada; and by two grandchildren Erin Elizabeth Walenta and Abigail Christina Walenta also of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Marie's family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the nurses and staff of Lutheran Care, Maple View Unit for the wonderful care and kindness shown to Marie during her stay and passing. In keeping with Marie's wishes, there will be a private Graveside Service open only to members of her immediate family. Donations in Marie's memory may be made to the Stevens-Swan Humane Society. Arrangements are with Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services, New Hartford. Online messages of sympathy may be left at: www.fwefh.com