Edna Lavina Sawicki

Edna Lavina Sawicki (nee Wiggins), 102 years old, of Tucson AZ, born in Roodhouse, IL, passed away quietly on Monday, July 15, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Edna was a vibrantly active woman until just before she so quickly received her wings to join her family in heaven. She was an early resident of Tucson and watched it go through many changes. She was recently recognized as one of Tucson’s Centenarians. She was committed to service of others in so many ways. She crocheted and gifted baby blankets for newborns, lap robes for seniors and stocking caps for school children. She made sure that each new member of her extended family had a personalized Christmas stocking. She hosted meals for Air Force servicemen during her past husband’s tours of duty in England. While in England, she formed close a relationship with the Groom family and that fellowship continues today through family visits. She loved to travel and known for her saying, “you buy, I’ll fly.” Edna was celebrated as a member of the Red Hat Ladies group in Tucson. She was a big fan of the University of Arizona’s basketball teams.  

Edna was a manicurist at the Santa Rita Hotel in the 1940’s. Her people skills made her a valuable member of hospitality services at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale where she mentored many young people in the catering services of the university. She loved her last occupation as the backstage catering manager at Tucson Convention Center. Edna met many celebrities in the music industry and politics during her employment. In 2015, while visiting family in Dillingham Alaska, she had the special opportunity to shake hands with former President Barak Obama. 

Edna is survived by her sister Patsy Reed, daughter Lucille Sawicki, daughter-in-law Marjorie Sawicki, and son-in-law Vince Luckhurst, her grandchildren, Bertram (Crystal) Luckhurst and Laetitia (Tyke) Olson, Earl Luckhurst, Matthew (Kristi) Sawicki and her nine great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph Guy Wiggins, and Lucille Petering, her former husband, Chester Sawicki, brothers Thomas Wiggins and Guy Wiggins, her son Joseph, daughter Patricia Luckhurst and an infant daughter, Geraldine. Her surviving family will honor and miss Edna’s loving care. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the family to assist with medical expenses. A memorial mass and celebration of life will be held on Monday, July 22 at 5pm at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 215 S Craycroft in Tucson. Private services will take place in Makanda Illinois and Dillingham Alaska later.