Edwina Marie Belzer Kiley, 84, died on Tuesday, September 5, 2023 at the VNA Hospice House in Vero Beach after a brief illness.

Edwina was born on Tuesday, September 6, 1938 in Wakefield, Massachusetts to Edwin and Evelyn (nee Ford) Belzer. She graduated from Wakefield Memorial High School, and would later earn a certificate in Early Education from Middlesex Community College in Bedford, Massachusetts in 1975. From there she continued her education and in 1987 she earned a Paralegal Certificate from Northeastern University. Edwina would go on to earn her Master of Science Degree from Franklin Pierce College in 1990.

Her career path included paralegal work, owning and operating her own daycare, “Merry Pop-Ins Playce,” and served many years as the Director of a children’s Head Start program. Edwina was also well known for being a puppeteer. She started her own business, Humanity Puppet Productions. She would make her own puppets and volunteered her time performing for schools, community and church events. She was even accredited among various puppeteering organizations including, Puppeteers of America.

During her life she was a political and environmental activist. She spent countless hours volunteering for various causes and serving others and her community was a significant passion in her life. She was an ordained minister, and volunteered at her local hospice.

Her pastimes include spending time with friends; eating brunch; shopping for brick & brack and vintage beaded jewelry and other antique treasures. She also loved Disney World. At the spry age 80 she bravely took her first ride on Disney’s Space Mountain accompanied by her grandsons, Nick and TJ.

Edwina was a masterful poet. Poetry was a hobby and talent that came to her naturally.

We honor her by sharing her last poetic  entry written on September 6, 2016 titled “Home Again.”

 

Home Again-

From whence I came

I rest in light and love

 

Home Again-

To God again

I flew on the wings of a dove

 

‘Tis but a veil-

Between us…

I am with you as I’ve always been

 

For you know, dear one-

God promised,

We will one day meet again

 

I need you to know-

You know I live,

That the “shell” I wore was not me

 

You need to know-

I shall ALWAYS love you.

For my soul LIVES in Eternity.

 

Out on a cloud in Infinity-

Out on the Universal Sea…

My soul shall wait for the breath of you there…

TO ONE DAY MELD IN…UNITY

 

Edwina is survived by her daughters, Andra (Thomas) Arlington of Ponte Vedra, Florida and Amy Chopelas of Plymouth, Massachusetts. She leaves behind her greatest loves, her grandchildren, Alexandra Brassil of Bridgewater, Massachusetts; Annabelle Simmons of Plymouth, Massachusetts and Nicholas and Thomas (TJ) Arlington, both of Ponte Verde, Florida. She is also survived by her nephews, George Louisos of Marblehead, Massachusetts; Stefan (Gayle) Louisos of Dover, New Hampshire; Russell (Brenda) Jacobs of Princeton, Texas; Randy (Dana) Jacobs of Vero Beach, Florida and Christoper (Tiffany) Jacobs of Vero Beach; niece, Elaina (Alan) Kramer of Swampscott, Massachusetts; cousins, George (Maria) Kamouzis of Peabody, Massachusetts; Bill (Tasia) Kamouzis of Wakefield, Massachusetts; her beloved cat, Marianna; and many other cherished family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 10 years, Lt. Col. Robert Kiley; her parents; sister, Trina Jacobs; aunt, Emma Agster (nee Sandmeier); nephew, Johnny Sonis and niece, Andra Lee Sonis. Edwina goes on to join all those wonderful people in her life that left this life before her. Reunited once again in life eternal.

A celebration of life of Edwina’s life will be held in her honor at Lake Quannapowitt in Wakefield, Massachusetts at a later date. Edwina and her late husband, Lt. Col. Robert Kiley had dedicated a beautiful infinity bench next to the lake so that it may be enjoyed by others both now and for many generations to come. This lake was where Edwina spent many of her childhood days – playing, walking, dancing on Sunday afternoons after church. Her favorite memory was winning the three-legged race contest with her sister, Trina, during the 4th of July celebration on the field near the historic bandstand.

In memory of Edwina, donations may be made to the Boston’s Children’s Hospital. Edwina’s wishes were to have donations made in memory of her nephew and niece, Johnny and Andra Lee Sonis, who both passed away at an early age.  Donations may be made at http://fundraise.childrenshospital.org/goto/liccardello.

A family friend of her daughter, Peter Liccardello is running the TCS New York Marathon, Miles for Miracles, Boston Children’s Hospital in support of patients and families treated at BCH. Please include in the note section of the donation page, “In Memory of Edwina.”

Edwina’s family wish to thank you for all of your prayers, love and support during this time. Those that would like to leave fond memories of Edwina, or condolences for her family may sign and online guestbook at www.millenniumcremationservice.com.