Marjorie Ann Edkins

Margie was born in Johnstown, PA, on Christmas Eve 1927. She married the love of her life, William Paul Edkins, on May 28, 1949. They lived together in many homes across Pennsylvania until his passing in 1991. In her 60s, she moved to St. Louis to live with son William and his family, where she enjoyed many years working at Famous-Barr, volunteering at her grandchildren’s schools, and making many lasting friendships. In 2002, she moved with the family to their new home on the Maine seacoast, where she became an active participant in communities at the York Senior Center (now the Center for Active Living) and the First Parish Congregational Church.

Margie was a devoted wife and mother, and an even more devoted grandmother and great-grandmother. A knitting master and proud member of the Crafty Ladies knitting group, she passed on her skill to many with her patient manner. In later life, her happiest moments included gifting her creations to her wide circle of family and friends, and many children across the country cherish the “grandma blankies” she made with so much love. She was also an avid sports fan, of the Duke Blue Devils and Marist Red Foxes in particular. When asked what life advice she had to offer, she once said simply, “be good to people and learn to knit”—a sentiment that is truly emblematic of the compassion and humor with which she lived her long life.

Margie was preceded in death by her husband, Bill. She is survived by her children, William Edkins (Lauren) and Polly Callahan (Dan), her grandchildren Jessica Edkins (Tim), Katie Milligan (Ryan), Maggie Willis (Mike), Ben Callahan, Jesse Callahan (Naomi), Paul Callahan (Jes) and many beloved great-grandchildren, who were the joy of her later years.

A service will be held on September 27 (12:00 p.m.) at the First Parish Congregational Church in York. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Activities Fund at the Chapman House of Auburn, ME, the wonderful facility where Margie enjoyed her final days. And in her memory, make a call this week to someone you love. A true people person at heart, nothing made Margie happier than an hour spent catching up with an old friend.