Grace O'Neil Edwards

Grace O’Neil Edwards, born Feb. 4, 1930, in Fall River, MA, died Feb. 27, 2022 in Raleigh, NC. A graduate of Truesdale Hospital School of Nursing, she worked as an RN in several hospitals, including many years as a 3 to 11 medical/surgical nurse at the “Old Rex on Wade Ave.” Even after retirement, Grace continued to “nurse” her family and friends, helping as she could with medical questions and issues.

After her husband Clark was discharged from the US Air Force, the family moved to Wilson and eventually to Raleigh, NC. Together with her husband, Grace was a charter member of St. Raphael Catholic Church, serving various positions in organizations and activities. She remained a faithful Catholic her entire life, finding solace in prayer and Mass after her beloved Clark’s death in 2009. She especially enjoyed attending the children’s Mass in the middle of the week, delighted by the choir. When she moved to Magnolia Glen and was unable to attend Mass as often as she would like, she participated in the weekly rosary and communion offered there.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers Francis and John, sisters Margaret and Kathleen. She is survived by her sister Cornelia Gallant and many nieces and nephews.

What Grace enjoyed the most was friend and family gatherings, including good food and much laughter. She leaves behind three daughters—Linda Buckley and husband Charles of Austin, TX; Mary Beth Bamforth and husband Ralph, Cathrine Garner and husband Dennis, all of Raleigh, NC. Her cherished grandchildren are Sarah Buckley, Daniel Buckley, and Brian Garner.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Raphael Catholic Church on March 4, 2002 at 11am, 5801 Falls of Neuse Rd, Raleigh NC 27609. The inurnment at the Columbarium will follow. The family will receive friends in the church atrium 10:30am, prior to Mass. Because this is the season of Lent, we ask that In lieu of flowers, a donation be made to St. Raphael Catholic Church in her name.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brownwynneeastmillbrook.com for the Edwards family.