Rosemary C. Edwards

Edwards, Rosemary C. (Clancy) of Hingham, died November 24, 2016, surrounded by the love of her family, friends and caregivers on Thanksgiving morning at her home in Avita.

Rose graduated from Albertus Magnus College with a BA in English and Education. She taught 7th grade English in the Newton Public Schools. She went on to earn her Master’s degree in Special Education from Lesley College and taught Special Education, her true passion, for many years in the Hingham Public School System.  Rose had a loving heart and dedicated herself to relationships with her family, her friends, and all those she reached out to. We have been hearing from so many people whose lives were touched by Rose’s compassion and thoughtfulness.  Rose was committed to her husband of 53 years, Don, who passed away almost three years ago. Rose and Don shared a deep love and respect for each other. They had a passion for walking the beach, studying scripture, volunteering, going to the movies, connecting with their grandchildren, and traveling the world.

Rose’s greatest joy was being a grandmother. She chose to be called “Ama” by her seven grandchildren, an ancient word in several languages meaning “Mother.”  Rose traveled 3,000 miles to be with her first grandchild and then continued to remain closely involved with Cara, Anna, Emma, Drew, Matthew, Brayden, and Ellie.  She went to as many games, plays, awards nights, grandparent breakfasts, birthdays, and celebrations as she could, and she loved having special times with her grandchildren for lunch dates, movies, visits and family vacations.  Rose was thrilled to welcome Kristin into the family when Kristin married her eldest son Don in 2014.

Rose shared her Catholic faith with her husband and family, worshipping at the Maryknoll community, St. Paul’s in Hingham, and St. Mary of Magdala in Harwich.  She loved to serve others, volunteering at Wellspring and Harbor house and touching so many lives in the process. 

Rose loved to write.  She journaled, published poetry, and wrote a memoir of her childhood growing up in Ansonia Connecticut. She enjoyed her involvement in book, poetry and Sophia’s garden groups.  Rose was a caring person, an inspiration, loved by all of her friends. She left a legacy of kindness and compassion that followed her to her last home in Avita.  Rose loved visits from her family and friends and made new connections wherever she went. 

Rose’s family would like to thank the staff and residents of Avita, the caregivers from Spaulding who eased her passing during the past few weeks and the staff at Cranberry Hospice whose compassion and caring touched our family.  We appreciate your presence and love. 

Beloved wife of the late Donald J. Edwards.  Loving mother of Donald J. Edwards, Jr. and his wife Kristin of Plymouth, Susan Gubbins and her husband Patrick of Dennis, and Michael Edwards and his wife Seana of RI.  Loving sister of Kate Conte of SC, Frank Clancy of GA, and Bob Clancy of AZ.  Cherished “Ama” to Cara, Anna, Emma and Matthew Gubbins, & Drew, Brayden, and Ellie Edwards.  Also survived by many nieces and nephews. 

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the visiting hours on Friday 4-8 PM in the Pyne Keohane Funeral Home, 21 Emerald St. (off Central St.), HINGHAM. A Celebration of Life Service will be held in the funeral home at 9:15 AM on Saturday prior to the Funeral Mass in St. Paul’s Church, Hingham at 10 AM. Burial in St. Paul’s Cemetery, Hingham.

Donations in memory of Rosemary may be made to Sisters of St. Joseph of Boston, Office of Mission Advancement, 637 Cambridge Street Brighton, MA 02135 or Wellspring Multi-Service Center, 814 Nantasket Avenue, Hull, MA 02045.