Rosalie Savarino Edwards

ROSALIE SAVARINO EDWARDS Rosalie Savarino Edwards died peacefully at her home on February 23, 2006 after a valiant battle with ovarian cancer. She was the daughter of the late Peter and Camilla Savarino of Hillsdale, Michigan. She was loved and adored by her husband of 46 years, Martin H. Edwards, who was at her side throughout her life. She was the devoted mother of four children and 10 grandchildren: Laura Edwards, Jack Ottenwess of Ann Arbor; John Edwards (Susan), Erin, Marty, and Camilla of Ann Arbor; Stephen Edwards (Paula), Isabella, Adelaide, of Pacific Palisades, CA; and Jim Edwards (Lisa), Libby, Sarah, Michael, and James of Ann Arbor. She will be greatly missed by her sister, Sarah Savarino, brother, John Savarino (Colleen), and sister-in-law, Maya Savarino. She will join big brother (Joe Savarino) who predeceased her in 1985. Rosalie relished bringing her large and extended family together for holiday celebrations, and she loved the many, many nieces and nephews who will also miss her. In addition to her family, Rosalie had an impressive career as a music educator, choral conductor, arts board member, and local philanthropist. The two books she authored, UM Songbook and Vibrant Ann Arbor, each enjoyed 4 printings, with all proceeds going to the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation. She established a scholarship fund at the University of Michigan School of Music, and founded and directed the Musicales of the City Club to support and recognize young artists. She supported countless musical endeavors and artists throughout her many years in Ann Arbor. A graduate of the University of Michigan School of Music with a BM and MM in Music Education, she worked with Nelson Hauenstein, William Revelli, Margaret V. Hood and Maynard Klein. Her teaching career included Derby Junior High School, Birmingham (MI), Slauson Elementary, and the creation of the choral music department at Greenhills School in Ann Arbor. In 1978, Dean Paul Boylan of the University of Michigan invited her to become conductor of the UM Women's glee club. During her twelve-year tenure, the Glee Club attained notable success and national touring. In 2004 she was recognized for her accomplishments in the field of music with the University of Michigan Alumni Society Citation of Merit Award. She also founded and directed the Johns Island Singers in Vero Beach, Florida, a concert performance group that performed many of the most popular works of American stage and screen, as well as Rosalie's original works. Throughout her life, Rosalie was active in the community outside of music, as well. She was a member of Sigma Alpha Iota and Kappa Kappa Gamma sororities, and has served on the boards of the Ann Arbor Symphony, the Ann Arbor Summer Festival, the Ann Arbor Area Community foundation, and was President of the Society of Musical Arts. She was a devoted member of the Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic community, and helped support the Dominican College in Rome. She helped found Greenhills High School, and had been involved with Catholic Social Services, and many, many other organizations, all of which she enthusiastically supported. She was also a great friend to many, always seeing the positive in people and in life. She had a rare class and beauty, and her sense of style, her panache, and her grandeur will be missed. She set an example for facing life, and death, with dignity. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Funeral services were held on February 27th at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 30, at 11:00 at Holy Cross Church in Vero Beach. Memorial contributions can be made to the Rosalie Savarino Edwards Scholarship fund at the University of Michigan School of Music, or in her memory to Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw County.