In loving memory of

Edna Mary Wardwell
July 23, 1948 - February 19, 2021

Edna Mary Wardwell,  72, of Middletown, Rhode Island, passed away on February 19, 2021 at home with her family by her side.

Edna was born, July 23, 1948, in Newport, RI to the late Francis Ribera and the late Edna (Bidlack) Ribera.
A lifelong resident of Aquidneck Island, Edna was raised on Third Street in Newport with her nine siblings. She settled in Middletown, RI with her husband George Wardwell. She had a long career working in the Rectory at St. Joseph's Church, retiring in 2009. In retirement, Edna and George volunteered constantly with the Naval Order and the Navy League. Edna carried on alone in these organizations after George's passing in 2016, serving as Treasurer and even local Commandery positions. Additionally, she volunteered at the St. Vincent DePaul Society and the St. Joseph's Soup Kitchen. Never without a smile, a hug, and her famous chocolate chip cookies for the huge web of family and friends, Edna was always ready, willing, and able to help, no matter what the situation. She truly lived a "life of service."
Edna is survived by her children; Jason Roach and his wife Kathy, of Nathrop, CO, George Roach of Warren, RI, Claudia McPherson of Clovis, NM, and Shannon Fuentes, of Providence, RI. She is also survived by her siblings; Joyce Semich, Gerri Piszcz, Joanne Boria, Charlotte Gallant and Ronald Ribera, and her grandchildren; Lindsay Roach, Mickey McGowan-Roach, Joshua Simmons, Julia Simmons, Ryan Simmons, Sean McPherson, and Tiphanie and  Myranda Fuentes.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband George Wardwell and her siblings, Franklin and Daniel Ribera, Evelyn Davis and Julie Jackson

Calling hours will be held Tuesday, February 23, 2021 from  4:00 PM to  7:00 PM in the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway in Newport.

Her Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, February 24, 2021, at 10:00 am at St. Joseph's Church, Mann Avenue in Newport.
Burial will be private,  in St. Columba Cemetery, 465 Brown's Lane in Middletown, RI.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in her name to the St. Vincent DePaul Society 5 Mann Avenue Newport, RI 02840
Due to restrictions in place due to COVID-19, attendance is limited to 15 people at a time, so wait times during calling hours will be longer than usual.
 

Tributes

Anne wrote on Mar 1, 2021:

"I was a new member to the amazing Newport County Council of the Navy League and Edna and George reached out to make the fantastic organization clear and manageable. To the benefit of our Community. Miss you both. :( Anne Huot"

Fran and Linda Irish wrote on Feb 22, 2021:

"As cousins growing up we were surrounded by lots of family functions. Always laughter and lots of singing too.Edna had a smile all of the time. I am glad we had a close family. Rest In Peace and there will always be a reminder that you were here love Fran,Linda and our families"

Denise Clement wrote on Feb 22, 2021:

"I am saddened to hear of Edna?s passing. My most sincere condolences to Edna?s family! I am so sorry for your loss! I will miss Edna and her wonderful sense of humor. It was always such a pleasure when she would join us after Sunday Mass. Edna will never be forgotten. I am thankful for my getting to know her. Denise"

Charlotte Hall-Kiss wrote on Feb 22, 2021:

"I\'m so sorry to hear of the passing of Edna. She was such a lovely lady, and had a good time when we went out with a lot of laughter. My condolences to her family. May she RIP."

Rosemary Kosinski wrote on Feb 22, 2021:

"George & Claudia - I am so sorry to hear of your Mom\'s passing. She was such a nice lady. My deepest condolences to you both, your other siblings and the rest of your family. Rosemary (McIntyre) Kosinski"

John J. Lavin wrote on Feb 22, 2021:

"Edna was an absolute joy with whom to work. An open, generous and truly loving person, she will be fondly remembered by anyone who entered St. Joseph rectory. She was a lady of living faith with a gentle sense of humor. It is the prayerful hope of so many of us that she now rests in the hands of our ever present God. Be at peace, my friend. Jack Lavin"

John Harris wrote on Feb 21, 2021:

"You were the silliest bocce player I\'ve ever known and will miss your smile and laughter. John Harris "