Edith L. Urban

Edith Lenore Urban, known affectionately as Edye, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 24th, after a Thanksgiving Day surrounded by family. She leaves behind a legacy spanning 91 remarkable years. Edye is survived by her three children, Greg Urban, Robin Urban, and Roxanne Hallock, along with four grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and numerous cherished relatives in North Carolina.

Born on May 1, 1932, in Lenoir, North Carolina, to Fealds Blankenship and Edna Parsons, Edye was captivated by the beauty of the Great Smokey Mountains. It was here, amidst the serenity of rural North Carolina, that she found a lifelong passion for music. Growing up, she immersed herself in the gospel and country of her North Carolina roots. During her career she would tour the Midwest, performing with groups like The Pepper Shakers and The Edye Lenore Show, as well as Walt Hess and the Rimshots featuring Edye Lenore. Her musical journey saw her touring and performing well into her 70s, sharing stages with icons like Willie Nelson and appearing on the country music variety show 'HeeHaw'. Her record in Nashville stands as a testament to her talent. For Edye, music was a source of endless joy, a means of connection, and a way to explore and understand the world. She brought her musical gifts to pubs in Ireland, family gatherings, and barns filled with friends, leaving an indelible mark on all who had the fortune to meet her.

At 17, Edye left North Carolina with the man who would be her husband of 65 years, Urban A. Urban. They built a vibrant life in northeast Wisconsin, nurturing their three children. Urban's pride and support for Edye's musical dreams were unwavering, and their partnership was foundational to their shared life.

Family, Edye's second great passion, was central to her existence. Her kindness, grace, and unwavering love served as the cornerstone for her family of spirited individuals. Known for her gentle words, patience, and nonjudgmental love, Edye embodied a joyful and graceful spirit. Her philosophy that "Little people are so important" reflected her deep respect and love for all, treating everyone with complete acceptance and kindness.

In her role as a grandmother, Edye was nothing short of extraordinary. A seasoned musician with an adventurous soul, she remained active in her later years, embracing biking, hiking, and traveling, always with a playful admission of her poor map-reading skills. She often quipped that she wasn't lost but merely on an adventure.

To know Edye was to experience an immediate recognition of her unique and special nature. Her life has profoundly impacted this world and the lives within it, through the beauty and grace of her character. Edye was a quiet yet influential trailblazer, a beacon of kindness and goodness. Her absence leaves an unfillable void, but her memory and legacy continue to inspire and warm the hearts of those she touched.

Visitation will take place on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, from 9:00-10:45 am at Kinnard Funeral & Cremation Services – Casco. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 am at Holy Trinity Catholic Church with Fr. Daniel Schuster officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. You may share your messages of condolence online at KinnardFCS.com.