Edith Thompson Brainerd

Edith was born July 30, 1921, in LaRue County, Ky., the youngest of three children born to the late Shafter Hobson Thompson and Lizzie Brown Shofner. She moved with her mother and her two siblings to central Illinois in the late 1930s, settling in Dixon. She worked at the Dixon munitions factory during World War II. During this time, she met Robert Brainerd, whom she married on May 30, 1947. They lived in Whiteside County, settling in Fulton by 1958. Bob and Edith were married 50 years, until Bob’s death in April 1998.

Edith was smart, creative, feisty and a tireless hard worker. Her family, her husband and her children, were her life’s work. Edith devoted herself to her family, working tirelessly and sacrificing much to ensure that her children had the education, opportunities and lives that she could only dream about. Edith had a 16-year journey with dementia, which she handled well, retaining the essence and spirit of her personality until the very end.

She is survived by her children, Teresa Brainerd Hays (née John) of Franklin, Tenn., David R. Brainerd (née Cathaline “Cathy” Cannon) of Chattanooga, Tenn.; and three grandchildren, Owen Hays of Franklin, Cora Hays of Chicago and Caitlin Brainerd of Knoxville, Tenn.

She also was preceded in death by her brother, Woodrow Thompson; and her sister, Pauline Thompson Sprowls.

A graveside ceremony and internment will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Springdale Cemetery in Clinton, Iowa.

Memorials in Edith’s name may be sent to The Sisters of St. Joseph, 2311 W. Wagner Lane, Peoria, IL 61615, per the family’s request.

Visit lemkefuneralhomes.com to send condolences.