Edna M. Volpe-Way

Her life peacefully ended at Oxford Enhanced Senior Living in Langhorne, PA, completely immersed in the love of her six children and family.

There is no way to write a short obituary for a 94-year-old woman who lived life to the fullest at every stage. Coming from humble beginnings, Edna left high school before graduating and worked as a bank teller to help support her family. Still young and vibrant, she frequented parish dances, where she met her first husband, Joseph Volpe, the father of her six children.

In between changing diapers and raising small children, Edna loved challenging her mind and became a wizard at solving crossword puzzles. She enjoyed her weekly bowling sessions and tennis matches. She was always outgoing and charismatic. There wasn’t a person she couldn’t befriend. Likewise, people were drawn to her and felt comfortable sharing their life stories. These gifts served her well during her volunteer work, which began when all six of her children were in school.

What started as volunteer work at Byberry State Hospital became a career and a passion in the field of mental health. After joyfully earning her GED and beginning college in her 40s, Edna continued her education all the way to a Master’s Degree in Human Services from Lincoln University in 1980.

In 1972, Edna served as Director of Aftercare Services with Bristol-Bensalem Mental Health Services. Her next move took her into the New Jersey Mental Health System. Her compassion, wisdom, and education helped her rise quickly through the ranks. So much so that, on July 14, 1988, Edna became CEO of Hagedorn Gero-Psychiatric Hospital.

She was known for her strong advocacy for both staff and patients. She spent every holiday at the facility. Her philosophy was simple: if she asked others to work on a holiday, she was going to be there, too.

Edna was always surrounded by family and friends. Wherever she called home, the welcome mat was out for everyone, whether at her Mystic Island beach house in NJ or her Pine Island, FL home.

With so much love to give, it is not surprising that she found her soulmate, Robert Way, who enriched both her life and the lives of her children during the short time they shared before his untimely death. Some years later, she shared her life with the late Frank Cuomo, who shared her love of the water and their homes in New Jersey and Florida.

Her greatest love was spending time with her grandchildren. She was present at every milestone and events, big and small. They all knew how to snuggle up for a Grammy/GG back scratch or a read along.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Way; sister, Arlene (Quinn) Balli; her brother, William Quinn; grandson, Andrew May; and great granddaughter Bridget May.

Edna is survived by her youngest brother, John Quinn; her five daughters: Kathleen (Louis) Russo, Ginger (Ted) Peyrek, Nancy (Ted) Beringer, Rosa Bella Volpe, Joyce (Bruno) Pereira; son, Joseph Volpe; and stepdaughters, Kathleen (Michael) Barton and Mary Frances Way.

Edna’s loving grandchildren are Bruce (Paola) Marro, Katie Marro Lyons, Daniel (Amanda) Barbaree, David Barbaree, Michael Russo, Christopher (Cecilia White) Russo, Stephen (Caitlin) May, Alex (Alan) May Osborn, Jacqueline (Ryan Duffy) Bullis, and Charlie (Ula) Bullis, and step grandchildren: Grace Harvey, Laurie Beth Way, and Ryan Way.

She is also survived by her adored great-grandchildren: Ignacio Marro; Will and Julia Lyons; Bowie Barbaree; Santino and Sebastian Barbaree; Hudson and Dylan Bullis Duffy; Alessio and Fiona Russo; and Declan, Cora, and Callum May.

She also leaves behind cousins, nieces, nephews, and many extended family members, along with countless friends, colleagues, and caregivers who share in this loss.

Visitation will be held on Friday, June 19, 2026, from 9:30 am to 10:30 am, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 am at Queen of the Universe, 2443 Trenton Rd, Levittown, Pennsylvania 19056.

Burial will take place following mass at Resurrection Cemetery, 5201 Hulmeville Rd, Bensalem, Pennsylvania 19020.

In lieu of flowers and to honor Edna Volpe-Way, please consider a donation to her favorite charitable organizations, Philadelphia Shriners Hospital for Children, 3551 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140 or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.