Catherine “Pat” G. Edwards of West Grove
Catherine “Pat” G. Edwards, 86, of West Grove, died peacefully on Friday, Aug. 4 at Jenner’s Pond. She was the devoted wife of Samuel T. L. Edwards, who predeceased her in 2016. They shared 66 years of loving marriage.
Born in Philadelphia, she was a daughter of the late Richard and the late Ethel McCormick Gilbert.
Pat began her long life in Drexel Hill, where she honed her skills and passions as a cook, gardener, and athlete. These and her love of family defined who she was to all who knew her throughout her life.
Pat worked at a YMCA camp in Medford Lakes where she met and married Sam. She attended the University of Delaware where she excelled in field hockey and synchronized swimming. She continued to play field hockey on the Pre-Olympic USA team as well as club teams. She turned her hockey stick in for a referee whistle and was the head referee for many high school games.
Pat and Sam moved to the family farm in Concordville, where they built the biggest sheep farm east of the Mississippi River. Love of family continued to drive much of what she did. She canned most of the vegetables and jams the family ate in the winter, found time to sew, plan family picnics, and coach her daughter’s softball team at Brandywine Youth Club. She worked tirelessly for her church and organized many church dinners. She loved antiques and crafting, and wove those activities into her life as often as possible.
Pat and Sam moved to West Grove, where she continued to serve as a role model for all who knew her. The love for gardening, cooking, and crafting were passed on to children and grandchildren. Pat and Sam attended the sports activities for children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, never missing an opportunity to spend time with family.
Pat is survived by her three children: Catherine A. Bailey (Ken) of Lincoln University, Samuel B. Edwards (Leslie) of Landenberg, and Richard W. Edwards (Debra) of Chadds Ford; her sister, Margaret Chadwick of Drexel Hill; her seven grandchildren; and her 13 great-grandchildren. Along with her husband, Catherine was predeceased by her brother, Richard Gilbert, and her sisters, Jeanne Conover and Elizabeth A. Ackerman.
You are invited to visit with Pat’s family and friends from 1 to 2 p.m. at Christ Church at the Grove, 1986 New London Road, Lincoln University, on Friday, Sept. 15. A memorial service to celebrate Pat’s life will follow at 2.
Memorial contributions in Pat’s name may be made to Willow Tree’s Legacy Hospice Foundation, 616 East Cypress Street, Kennett Square, Pa. 19348 or the Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, D.C. 20090-6011
To view her online tribute and share condolences with the family, please visit www.griecocares.com
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