Edward Matthew Awe

Edward Matthew Awe, 56, passed away on Friday, September 9, 2022. Edward was born on August 16, 1966 to Edward and Jacqueline (nee Harte) as the ninth of 11 children. Edward spent most of his life in Harwood Heights, IL before moving to Arlington Heights.

After experiencing a severe spinal cord injury while in college, he didn’t let that stop him, earning a Bachelor’s degree from Northeastern Illinois University. His intellect and spirit were his greatest assets and the way he persevered through life was nothing short of heroic. Through his disability, he became a fierce advocate for his own health and fought until the very end. He didn’t realize what an inspiration and teacher he was to all who knew him.

Edward experienced joy through his 27 nieces and nephews and always looked forward to the stories they would tell him about their lives. He would return the favor by surprising them with gifts in the mail now and then. He loved art, gardening, cooking and home decorating shows along with a good Indian meal.

Edward is survived by his siblings, Michael (Cindy), Dennis (Barbara), Kevin (Linda), Katherine Boss, Timothy (Mary Ellen), Sheila (Bob) Broz, Patricia (Bill) Ponzetti, Patrick (Sandra), Daniel (Venus), and Nazira (Larry) Collins. He is also survived by his beloved aunts, Nazira Awe and Gerri Martin. He was preceded in death by his parents and beloved nephew, Samuel Boss.

The Awe family would like to express their thanks and gratitude to Edward’s many caregivers during his lifetime.

We are comforted by the thought of Edward free from the constraints of his body and enjoying a glass of wine with his loved ones in Heaven. We especially like the thought of him chasing his adorable but defiant dog, Spencer, who never once listened to Edward’s commands.

Visitation will be Tuesday, September 13, 2022 from 4-8 PM at Lauterburg & Oehler Funeral Home, 2000 E. Northwest Highway, Arlington Heights and Wednesday, September 14 at St. Raymond De Penafort Church, Elmhurst Road (Rt. 83) and Lincoln Streets, Mt. Prospect from 10:30 AM until the time of the Funeral Mass at 11:30 AM.

Interment will follow at Queen of Heaven Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Limited Mobility Solutions, Inc. (limitedmobility.solutions).They provided technology that changed Edward’s and countless others lives as well. Donations may be sent to P.O.Box 334, Crystal Falls, Michigan 49920