Edna Schroeder

Native Staten Islander Edna D. Schroeder, 89, a former legal secretary who was interested in her family history, died Monday in Sea View Hospital Rehabilitation Center and Home, where she had resided since 2014.

Born Edna D. Helt in Grasmere, she graduated from New Dorp High School.

After she and Robert Schroeder wed in 1949, the couple lived in Port Richmond. They later lived in Prince's Bay until 1970, when they relocated to Margaretville, N.Y. in 1970.

Mrs. Schroeder worked as a legal secretary at the Agar law firm in Port Richmond. After moving to Margaretville, she was the town clerk in Hardenburgh, N.Y.

While living on the Island, she was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Stapleton, where she taught Sunday school and sang in the choir. In Margaretville, she attended Advent Christian Church.

Mrs. Schroeder was interested in her family's history. She preserved photos and artifacts and shared family stories to pass down to future generations.

A talented seamstress, she sewed her own wedding gown, made from the silk of her husband's parachute.

She enjoyed crocheting, cooking and entertaining family and friends. She also enjoyed reading and following current events. She was fond of animals, and had owned many pets, and also liked to feed and observe wildlife.

Robert, her husband of 44 years, died in 1993. She also was preceded in death by her son, Chris, in 2009.

Mrs. Schroeder is survived by her brothers, Philip and Robert Helt, and her sisters, Marion Helt and Harriet Bajune.

The funeral service will be Thursday at 8 p.m. in the Bedell Pizzo Funeral Home, Tottenville. Burial will take place at a later date in Sanford Cemetery, Margaretville.

Services: Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home--Thursday, March 5, 2015 8:00PM

Visitation: Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home-- Thursday, March 5, 2015 2-5 & 7-9PM

Location: Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home

Church: Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home