Edie, as she was better known, was born Edith Anne Idzorek on August 10, 1924 in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Her father was a civil engineer who built many of the highways in Minnesota, so the family often moved. She was very close to her brother Jules, who was born on the 8th of August, 1925. They were known as “twins.”
After graduating from the University of Minnesota in dietetics, Edie went on to intern in Boston at Mass. General Hospital to become a registered dietitian. There she met her husband, Dr. Edgar O'Rear. They were married on June 9, 1948 in her hometown of St. Cloud. The couple moved to Alabama where they raised their six children. Edie was very active in her church, schools, and the medical community. Some of her interests included bridge, traveling, entertaining, reading, and cooking. She even managed to volunteer time helping in the dietetic department at the hospital and at the local college.
Edie moved to New Iberia in 2017 from Cary, NC where she had lived for over 15 years. Since moving into Garden View, Edie has enjoyed socializing with the residents and staff, participating in the daily rosary, and singing “Happy Birthday” and “Good Morning to You” every morning as she arrived in the dining room. In addition to her six children, she has seven grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren.
Edith's legacy lives on through her devoted family. She is survived by her children: Catherine Anne Kwong (Dr. Henry Kwong,), Margaret Anne Calcagni (John Calcagni), Dr. Edgar Allen O'Rear, III (Kathy O'Rear), Dr. Julian Joseph O'Rear (Holly O'Rear), Edith Mary Scott (Dr. Allen Scott), and Charlotte Josephine Koeniger (Dr. Mark Koeniger). Edith will also be fondly remembered by her grandchildren: Dr. Henry Mark Kwong, Jr., John Christopher Kwong, Carolyn Ruth Buracton, John Edgar Calcagni, Sara Lindsey Richardson, Erika Anne Koeniger, and Markus Andreaus Königer; and numerous great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Dr. Edgar A. O’Rear, Jr; her second husband, Matthew J. Fleming, Jr; her parents, Julian and Edith Stangl Idzorek; and brother, Julian Joseph Idzorek, Jr.
A memorial visitation to honor Edith's life will take place on Friday, May 31, 2024, at 10:00 AM at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, located at 2514 Old Jeanerette Rd, New Iberia, Louisiana 70563, followed by a memorial service at 11:00 AM. A rosary will be prayed by Our Ladies Intention Prayer Group at 10:30 am.
Edith will find her final resting place in the tranquil grounds of Oakhill Cemetery, nestled at 501 Oak Hill Rd, Jasper, Alabama 35504.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to a favorite charity.
Edie’s family would like to thank residents, aides, and staff at Garden View, the staff at Heart of Hospice, the staff of MedAssist, and most of all her companion Brionna Hypolite.
Edie, with her loving smile and grace will be missed by all who knew her. May she rest in eternal peace.
To view the on-line obituary and sign the guest register, please visit www.evangelinefuneralhome.com.
