Nancy (Flaharty) Edwards

Nancy (Flaharty) Edwards passed away peacefully on Monday, January 8, 2024 with loved ones nearby. She was born in Lakewood, OH December 24, 1931, the daughter of Henry Albert and Helen (Feuchter) Flaharty. Nancy met her husband of 60 cherished years, David Robert Edwards, in Columbus, OH.

Nancy was predeceased by her husband, David, and infant son, Henry Ian Edwards, who died at 11 months. She is survived by her children and grandchildren, David Robert Edwards and his wife Diane (Mattioli) Edwards; and their children David Matthew Edwards and Katharine Marie Edwards, Glynnis Lee Cowdery and her husband John Whitney Cowdery; and their children Henry Jacobs Cowdery and Callard Elizabeth Cowdery.

Nancy received an AA from Cottey College, BFA from Ohio Wesleyan University, and an MA in education from Western Reserve University. She enjoyed being an art teacher in the Shaker Heights, Ohio and Bronxville, New York school systems and graciously and humbly shared her art and history knowledge, volunteering as a member of the Wadsworth Atheneum Docent Council; Elementary School Creative Arts Council; Wethersfield Arts Council, and the Wethersfield Board of Education and during her time living at The Hearth in Glastonbury, CT (newly renamed The Residence of Glastonbury).

Throughout her long life, Nancy and Dave enjoyed travelling the world to many faraway and exotic places, immersing themselves in the culture and enjoying local cuisine, then sharing all they discovered with those around them. A most cherished trip was to Hawaii with their children and grandchildren to celebrate their 50th anniversary.

Nancy adored her many friends and acquaintances with whom she made memories, enjoyed good times and much laughter. She was an active member of the P.E.O. Chapter U, Glastonbury, an international philanthropic educational organization that helps women worldwide reach their goals in higher education. A 74-year member of the organization, Nancy served in many roles including president of the Connecticut State Chapter of P.E.O. She was a member of the First Church of Christ in Wethersfield for 40 years, serving as a deacon, in the caring ministries, and education department. Most recently, she was a member of Rocky Hill Congregational Church, UCC where she shared her interest in Christian Education. Nancy was delighted to encounter new, meaningful friendships at 87-years-old as part of her move to The Hearth.

In place of flowers, contributions may be made to the Missions Department of Rocky Hill Congregational Church, 805 Main Street, Rocky Hill, CT 06067 or to P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship Fund, 3700 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50312. Burial will be private, with no calling hours. A memorial service is planned for Tuesday, February 20th at 11 a.m. at the Rocky Hill Congregational Church, Rocky Hill, CT. The D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, Wethersfield has been entrusted with the arrangements. To share a memory of Nancy, please visit www.desopofuneralchapel.com.