Edna Whittaker 2/20/1917 - 12/20/2010
Edna Whittaker, the last Port O’Connor resident who was born on Matagorda Island, departed this life on December 20, 2010. Born on February 20, 1917, Edna was privileged to play in the vast “sandbox” that was Matagorda Island with her older brother Raymond and the neighboring Hawes children. When given the opportunity, she delighted in running up and down the steps of the island’s lighthouse, and when the Matagorda Island Lighthouse was rededicated in June of 2004, Edna was there to climb those steps once again. She was also pleased to participate in the dedication of the U.S. Postal Service Matagorda Lighthouse Stamp in July of 2009.
Edna at Port O’Connor Post Office.
Edna attended Port O’Connor School , graduating in 1934. She worked for Sidney Albrecht after school, then moved to Freeport for a short while where she worked at a 5 & 10 cent store, the telephone company and Post Office. During World War II, Edna was acting postmaster at Port O’Connor, a position that she relinquished to a veteran after the war.
During her lifetime, Edna worked and served in many different fields. She was a substitute teacher, and held a private school in her home; she taught catechism and played the organ at St. Joseph’s Church; was a caregiver to her ailing mother, brother and sister; administered shots in the community; helped hold elections, and took the census. She worked for many years and retired from the Calhoun County Tax Assessor’s Office.
Edna is preceded in death by her parents, Timothy and Theresa Ann Schuster Whittaker, and her brother Raymond.
She is survived by her sister, Rosie Lucille Whittaker; nephew, Tim; niece, Joy; several great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews.
Funeral Mass was held December 22 at Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church in Port Lavaca. Pallbearers were: Tim and Gabriel Whittaker, Tommy Howell, Calvin Ragusin, Steve Bell, and Jay Cohen. Honorary pallbearers were: Paul Apostalo and Tommy and Cotton Harris. Graveside services were held at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Brazoria.
Edna Whittaker will be dearly missed by her sister, her family and friends, and all those who knew her in the community .
