Martha Renee Edwards

In Loving Memory
Martha Renee Rose Edwards
(née Waters)
November 9, 1935 – January 5, 2026

Martha Renee Rose Edwards was born and raised in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago. Born on November 9th, 1935, she was the third of four children of Elizabeth Mahala (Zach) Waters, originally of St. Louis, Missouri, and Paul Francis Waters of Galesburg, Illinois, who later made their home and started their family in Chicago.

She grew up alongside her siblings, Paul Waters, Rosemary Coronado, and her youngest sister Louise Waters, forming lifelong bonds grounded in family, faith, and strong Chicago traditions. As a child, Martha admired and respected the firefighters at the neighborhood fire station located just around the corner from her home. She often joked that she “grew up in the fire station,” a reflection of how much time she spent there and the close connection her family shared with the firefighters. Her mother would even welcome them into their home for hot meals, an early example of the generosity and community spirit that shaped Martha’s life.

Martha and her siblings attended Catholic grade school through high school at St. Michael’s in Old Town, where she formed fond memories of the nuns, priests, and friends. Having lived through World War II, Martha was deeply shaped by its hardships. Still, she held close the joy of youth, often recalling time spent with friends at Riverview Amusement Park, memories she cherished and spoke of her entire life.

As a teenager and young adult, Martha worked various jobs, including positions as a secretary, a bank teller, a cashier at five-and-dime stores such as S.S. Kresge, and as a waitress at Henrici’s and other restaurants over time.

In her 20s, Martha began a family and raised three wonderful daughters. Throughout her life, she balanced work outside the home with her primary role as a homemaker, caring for her family with consistency and love.

Family was always at the center of Martha’s world. She was a devoted mother to Elizabeth Basden (Dennis), Susan Edwards-Zakhem (preceded in death), and Paula Vangel. Her love extended deeply into the generations that followed, and she also lovingly raised her granddaughter, Christina Badus, as her own daughter.

She was a cherished grandmother to Jennifer Basden (Steven Scheerer), Christina Badus, Sami Makkawi (Sophia), Dahlia Kinsey, Angela Jones (Nate), Vanessa Rivera (Christopher), Brianna Craig, and Andy Hom, and a proud great-grandmother to Dominic Scheerer (Kate), Aiden Badus, Aria Badus, Jaylen Villegas, Walter Jones, Khalid Makkawi, Arthur Jones, and Amiyah Rivera.

Martha was witty, savvy, and city-wise, with a sharp awareness. She took pride in keeping a spotless, well-decorated home and carried herself with care and intention, never leaving the house with a wrinkle. She found joy in card games, dice, Yahtzee, and Scrabble. She looked forward to every holiday and never forgot a birthday, always making sure those she loved felt remembered and celebrated. A lifelong fan of Johnny Mathis, she was thrilled to attend one of his final concerts in 2024.

Martha was deeply connected to her community, supporting charities close to her heart, including the March of Dimes, Purple Heart, St. Jude’s, and organizations supporting police officers and firefighters. She knew nearly everyone in her neighborhood, from local restaurant owners to waitresses, as well as clerks, bakers, pharmacists, and grocery staff. A daily trip to the grocery store made her a familiar and friendly presence, known for her genuine conversation and connection. Martha was full of life and a true spark, someone who was known, noticed, and deeply loved. People looked forward to seeing her and talking with her.

Above all, Martha valued faith, family, loyalty, and community. She lived a life defined by responsibility, dignity, and generosity, leaving behind a legacy of love that will endure through all who knew and loved her.

A time for quiet reflection will be available on Saturday, January 17th, beginning at 12:00 p.m. at St. Michael Catholic Church in Old Town, 1633 N. Cleveland Ave, followed by a Funeral Mass at 1:00 p.m. A dinner will follow, with details to be announced.