Edith Ann (Calai) Bigler

Edith Ann (Calai) Bigler, 97, of New Dawn Healthcare Center died Sunday morning, May 8, 2016, following a period of declining health.

Born in Midvale on December 18, 1918, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Ramona (Battisti) Calai.

After completing her formal education in Midvale, she and her sister, Julia, owned and operated Calai’s Corner Grill in New Philadelphia. She was also a member of Sacred Heart Church and the Altar Society.

She married the late Donald E Bigler who preceded her in passing on January 3, 1971.

Edith was a devoted mother and grandmother, always putting her family’s needs above her own. She was a marvelous cook, grew lovely flower gardens, and was an excellent oil painter. Her favorite artist was Bob Ross.

Edith will be deeply missed by her children, Carole (Tom) Hathaway Dapoz of Dover and Robert (companion, Janet Vogt) Bigler of New Philadelphia; her grandchildren, Robert Michael (Charlene) Bigler, Jennifer Bigler, Holly Bigler, and John “Jay” (Chris Harper) Hathaway; great-grandchildren, Justin Pica, Britney Bigler, and Cullen Fountain; her great-great-granddaughter, Harper; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, Edith was preceded in death by her sisters, Katherine Basiletti Cattani, Mary Kaufman, and Julia Korns and her brothers, Peter Calai and John Calai.

A service celebrating Edith’s life will be held in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home on Wednesday at 11 a.m. with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery at New Philadelphia.

Edith’s family is very grateful to the staff of both New Dawn Healthcare Center and Community Hospice for their wonderful care and love provided to Edith.

Memorial contributions in Edith’s memory may be directed to Community Hospice, 716 Commercial Ave SW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.