Edna Katherine Presstman

Edna Katherine Presstman, 80 passed away July 22, 2022. She was born January 27, 1942 in St. Petersburg to the late Peter Stoner Presstman and Gladys Maria (Hobart) Presstman. She spent her entire life in Tampa. Edna’s family were pioneers of St. Petersburg. Many of her Stoner and Presstman ancestors are named in bronze on the large monument that stands in Pioneer Park in St. Petersburg. She is also related to George Gandy of whom the Gandy Bridge was named after in 1924. It was the first bridge linking Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties. Edna was a medical technologist and a member of St. Patricks Catholic Church. She loved rescued animals, music, reading, singing and garden flowers. She was devoted to her church and sang in the choir for many years. She also volunteered for many years at St. Andrews downtown where her parents went to church. She served on a mission trip to the Dominican Republic. Later she worked at Publix for many years, until she got too sick to work. She loved that job and meeting people. She was an inaugural student at the University of South Florida on its opening day, September 26, 1960. She was also part of its first graduating class four years later. One of Edna’s interesting stories took place in November 1963. President John F. Kennedy rode in a motorcade through the streets of Tampa just a week before doing the same in Dallas. USF had cancelled classes that day so students could enjoy the parade with a chance to see the president. Sure enough as the president rode by where Edna was standing on the curb, she said he looked right at her, smiled and waved. That night at dinner with her parents, she was so excited as she told the story of her exciting day. Edna’s father Peter spent his career as a civilian engineer at McDill Air Force Base. When Edna was finished with her thrilling story, her father said that the president then came to McDill AFB, sat in his office and shared several minutes talking with each other. Edna’s bubble was burst! Edna loved her family, horses and Florida Gator football. Her dad and her uncle both played for UF back in the 1930’s. Edna was also a giving person who would help strangers in their time of need. Left to cherish her memory are her cousins, Eleanor Kalish, Esther Lofton and George Kuhn and their families. Edna also leaves a host of friends from church. In addition to her parents, Edna was predeceased by her cousin Mary Katherine. There will be a Funeral Mass Wednesday, July 27, 2022 at 2:00 pm at St. Patricks Catholic Church, 4818 S. Manhattan Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33611. She will be buried next to her parents in a large family plot at Saint Bartholomew Episcopal Cemetery in St. Petersburg. Memorial contributions may be made in Edna’s honor to St. Patricks Catholic Church. Memories and condolence may be left online at www.MFHcares.com.

Edna Katherine Presstman

January 27, 1942 - July 22, 2022