Edna Rubenstein Heilprin

Madison / Coronado, California / Gilbert, Minnesota - Edna Rubenstein Heilprin, formerly of Gilbert, MN and Madison, WI, passed away the evening of May 17, 2009 at her home in Coronado, California. She was 99, and was surrounded by her grandsons at the time of her passing. She was neither sick nor suffering, but, in her own words, she was ""simply exhausted."" Edna led a long and colorful life and was loved by the many people she touched.

After graduating from Gilbert High School, class of 1928 she ventured south to Madison. She attended and graduated from the University of Wisconsin -- Madison and while there met Bernard Heilprin, her lifelong sweetheart and husband of 63 years. In 1931 she and Bernard eloped to Chicago and thereafter began an inseparable partnership that would take them far and wide, thru wars and tough times, but always together.

Edna and Bernard were actively involved in their community, their friends, but most importantly, their family. They traveled the world together but never strayed far from their roots of Madison and Edna's Minnesota family. They were a founding family of Madison's Temple Beth El. Edna taught English at Madison West High School. She had many dear friends, but none closer than her loving sister Jeanne, to whom she spoke daily until the time of her passing.

Edna was the matriarch of a large and loving troop and was affectionately known by her clan as ""Nonny."" She beamed with pride when talking about or surrounded by her grandchildren and was always available to them to freely dispense advice or for a visit, a lunch or just a phone call to check in.

Edna and Bernard moved to Coronado California in the 1980's, living at the Coronado Shores and going on daily walks together along the ocean. They drove a car with the license plate reading ""BERNA."" Despite living thousands of miles away, Edna remained a dedicated Wisconsin fan. Edna was a lifelong Democrat and deeply cared about politics and world events.

Edna will be truly missed by her friends and family. She left an indelible mark on those who knew her and will be fondly remembered for her smile, quick wit, kindness and generosity of love and spirit.

Edna was the last surviving founding member of Temple Beth El in Madison. She is survived by her son, Lawrence of Arena, WI; her sister, Jeanne Schibel Gross (formerly Rubenstein) of Minneapolis; and six grandchildren. Her husband, Bernard, and her eldest son, Richard, preceded her in death. A committal service for both Edna and her son, Richard, will be held at 1:00 PM on Monday, June 15, 2009, at FOREST HILL CEMETERY, 1 Speedway Road, Madison.