Isabel Galvin Edwards

Isabel Galvin Edwards, age 83, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at Warren Barr in Buffalo Grove, Illinois.

Isabel was known to all of her friends and family as Bitsy. She was born in Duluth, Minnesota on April 20, 1941 and was the daughter of James and Betty Galvin. 

Growing up, Bitsy lived in Raton, New Mexico at the T.O. Ranch and Granada, Colorado as a toddler. Most of her childhood was spent in Sacramento, California. Her senior year of high school, Bitsy moved to Italy with her family and completed her high school education there. She had wonderful memories of the friends she made in Italy and was grateful for the many reunion trips with them.

Bitsy and the love of her life, Harry Edwards, met in Livorno, Italy where Harry was serving in the Army from 10/15/1956 to 9/29/1959. Isabel and Harry were inseparable and known as “The Love Birds” by friends. They were married on April 30, 1960. They began their family in North Hills, Pennsylvania and had two children: Donna in 1961 and David in 1964.

Bitsy and Harry called Tower Lakes, Illinois home for over 50 years. They loved long walks around the lake and all of the traditions and opportunities the little community provided. They made life-long friends and many wonderful memories.

Bitsy was a dedicated employee for IDS/American Express for many years. She enjoyed the interaction, responsibilities, and the excuse to wear pretty clothes and shoes. Willow Creek Church became a very important part of their lives. They enjoyed volunteering, worship, support, and the opportunity to have dinner with friends.

Time spent with her brother, Jim Galvin, and sister-in-law, Pam, and their family was always very special. She truly cherished the “little brother teasing” and memories of growing up.

Bitsy and Harry loved visiting Colorado to see daughter Donna and her family. She loved the smell of the Ponderosa Pine in the sun and the wildflowers. She loved hiking in the mountains with her grandchildren and would make every effort to make her little legs move as fast as they could to keep up with the longer legs of the rest of the family.

Bitsy and Harry spent many wonderful meals, holidays, and special occasions with David and his family. They cherished the laughter and the time they got to spend with them.

Bitsy was devoted to her husband, her family and her friends. Memories of her will be forever treasured.

She is survived by her loving children, Donna (George) Ott and David (Carole Kopke) Edwards; grandchildren, Brady (Jane) Ott, Lindsey (Patrick “Ted”) Barnett and Jack Edwards; great-grandchildren, Wyatt and Georgia Ott and Piper Barnett; her brother, James “Jim” (Pam) Galvin; as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 64 years, Harry W. Edwards, Jr.; her parents, James and Betty Galvin; and her sister, Joan Galvin.