Age 101, and a lifelong resident of Coal City, Celeste passed away Tuesday, January 19, 2021 at Heritage Health of Dwight during the COVID Pandemic of 2020-21.
Born April 23, 1919 in Coal City, during the Spanish Influenza Pandemic of 1918-19, Celeste was a daughter of Celestino and Marianna (Savant) Togliatti. She was the 7th child born to Celestino and Marianna. She was raised by her mother and older siblings due to her father’s death, which was a result of the 1918-19 Spanish Influenza 5 months prior to her birth. She graduated with the class of 1935 from Coal City High School, and on September 24, 1938, Celeste married John “Jack” James Edwards in the Rectory of Assumption Catholic Church in Coal City. Following the death of Jack in 1961, Celeste gained employment with UniRoyal, where she worked until her retirement. She was a member of Assumption Catholic Church and served as Secretary for the Village of Eileen.