Edith Laura Semark

Edith L. Semark (Edie) passed away suddenly Friday morning, February 3, 2023 at the age of 88. She was active right up to her passing, attending a UofM women’s basketball game the night before. Edie was often described as an angel on earth by those who knew and loved her. She was an adoring mother and grandmother, a loving sister and aunt, and a devoted friend to many. Edie had the capacity for so much love to give that many described her as their ‘best friend’ – and she truly was.

Born in North Adams on August 18, 1934, Edie was raised in Clinton and was a lifelong Michigander living the majority of her life in Ann Arbor. Her hobbies always revolved around her friends, family, and church, the Westside United Methodist Church for which she was extremely active. Edie sang in the Chancel Choir for over 30 years and directed the Bell Choir for 24 years. She was a member of United Methodist Women for over 60 years, having served on the UMW Executive Board for the past 10 years. She was also a Stephen Minister, a member of Women Aglow, and sang in the Women’s Chamber Chorus of Ann Arbor.

Edie was a proud graduate of Eastern Michigan University for her bachelor’s degree and University of Michigan for her master’s degree, both in education. Edie was also a member of the Delta Zeta Sorority. Following a career in teaching at the elementary level in Lincoln Park and preschool at St. Joseph’s Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor, Edie established and taught her own grandchildren in the Montessori method in their home.

She is predeceased by her husband, Duane Semark; her brother, Dr. Louis (Berneda) Meeks; and her parents, James and Leona Meeks. She was so devoted to Duane throughout her life after his death in 1983; she wore her wedding rings throughout her life. Edie is survived by daughter Linda (Ted) Chapekis, granddaughters Christina and Alexandra, sisters Dr. Marilyn (Dr. Walter) LaSovage and Jeannie (Ronald) LaSovage, numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

The visitation for Edie will occur Wednesday, February 8th from 5:00-8:00 at Muehlig Funeral Chapel in Ann Arbor. The funeral will occur on Thursday, February 9th at 11:00 at Westside Methodist Church in Ann Arbor followed by a burial service at Forest Hill Cemetery at which she will lie beside her late husband.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to Aim High School or UMRC Benevolent Care. Aim High School, as school for students with different learning differences, was special to Edie because her chosen grandson, Ross Dunlap, was a successful graduate. UMRC Benevolent Care ensures that qualified residents always have a loving place to call ‘home’, even if they outlive their resources. This fund was always close to Edie’s heart.