1947 - 2015
No Vistitation Date Scheduled
No Funeral Date Scheduled
Emily (Riley) Edwards, 67, of Dracut, died suddenly Friday May 8, 2015 at Lowell General Hospital surrounded by her loved ones.
She was married to Alton “Ray” Edwards of Dracut, with whom she would of celebrated 49 years of marriage on August 27th 2015.
Born in Lowell, on October 2 1947 she was the daughter of the late Thomas and Helen (Hodge) Riley. She graduated from Lowell High School with the class of 1965. She earned a CNA certificate from St. John’s Hospital. She worked as a healthcare professional at D’Youville Manor as well as Companion Care and other home health agencies caring for seniors. Her favorite profession was devoted mother and nana.
Emily was a loving, passionate, vibrant woman who brought joy and laughter to all that were fortunate enough to know her. Her greatest joy was her family. Her heart was the fullest when she was with her three daughters and her four beautiful grandchildren. Her integrity, strength and love made her their hero.
She loved to spend time with her “coffee club” friends at McDonalds. Any given morning you could find Emily there, making people laugh and smile. No one will fill her empty seat.
She also loved to bowl at the Brunswick. Spending many of her younger years as an “Early Bird” bowler. She was invigorated when she rejoined bowling later in life as a member of the “Cool Cats”. Emily was the coolest cat there. She loved time with her precious bowling friends. We know she will be working on those “Turkeys” in heaven.
Emily would never miss a chance to go to Foxwoods or Mohegan Sun. She also enjoyed travel and had visited many exciting places. What was most important in Emily’s life was family and friends. She gave and received the most joy and happiness with them. Emily was the greatest Mother, Nana, Sister and Friend. Now she is the greatest Angel.
Besides her husband, she is survived by three daughters, Kimberly (Edwards) Wunderlich and her husband Erik Wunderlich of Pelham, NH, Tina Edwards and her husband Jay Culbert of Lowell, MA, and Diana (Edwards) Rogier and her husband Frank Rogier of Dracut, MA; four grandchildren, her precious granddaughter Emma Rae Wunderlcih, and cherished grandsons Erik Owen Wunderlich, Ronan Culbert and Aidan Culbert.
One of 10 siblings, Emily is survived by her best friend and sister “twin” Kathleen (Riley) Comtois and her husband Maurice Comtois of Dracut, MA., her sister Mary (Riley) Courtemarche and her husband Richard Courtemarche of Lowell, MA, brother Thomas Riley and his wife Joanne Riley of Haverhill, MA, brother William Riley and his wife, Susan Riley of Port St. Luce, FL, brothers Charlie Riley and Brian Riley. Emily had many loving nieces and nephews whom she adored including, Christopher Corbin, Rebecca Taylor and Colt Taylor, to whom she was a second mother and nana. She is also survived by a very special dear friend, Robert Sousa of Dracut.
She was the sister of the late Theresa Sloan of Indiana, Maureen Methot of Dracut and Daniel Riley of Lowell.
“Don’t cry because it is over smile because it happened” Dr. Suess
Her Funeral Memorial Mass to be held at St. Michael’s Church in Lowell Friday at 10 O’clock a.m. The family requests in lieu of flowers donations are made to Rorystaunton.com, a foundation to raise money for Sepsis prevention and education.
Tom Courtemarche
| #
Words cannot express the feelings we have to hear about the loss of our dear Aunt Emily. I remember her the most of being able to brighten up a room with her happiness and laughter. Our deepest sympathy to you Kim, Tina, and Diana. Aunt Emily you will always be in our hearts and prayers.
Cassandra Cavanaugh
| #
I have so many wonderful memories growing up with Aunt Emily. She always opened her home to family and it was her house where all of the fun happened. Years of pool parties, sleep overs, and holidays she was always gracious and caring. I will remember her most by her vibrant smile that was contagious. I have no words to express how saddened I am for you Kim, Tina, and Diana. She was truly a wonderful spirit that will keep on shining.
Cathy Edwards
| #
Our hearts are just broken…………what a terrible loss to family and friends.
Jenn Lulfs
| #
Emily was one of the most beautiful people I have ever had the honor of knowing. Even though we weren’t family, she always made us feel like we were. She just had a way of touching your heart without even trying, and there is no word big enough to describe how much I love her.
Although our time together was way too short, I will always be grateful for every wonderful memory I can hold onto, especially our Wednesdays at bowling.
My heart is breaking for all of her family who love her so deeply. One of the last things she said to me was that there is nothing in this world better than having grandchildren. I pray especially for them and her daughters to find strength during this terrible time of loss.
Emily is gone but will never be forgotten. I know she is the most beautiful angel up there, watching over all of her loved ones.
Denise Hunley-Harlow
| #
Thinking and praying for all of you at this time of sadness.
The Edwards, Hunley and Harlow families
Billy Sheehan
| #
My deep condolences to Charlie & betty riley with the loss of his sister.
Louis Rondeau
| #
Deepest heartfelt sympathy.
A truly beautiful influence of my younger years.
Bryon Rivers
| #
My heart is heavy thinking of you all. I’ll remember Emily as the consummate hostess – whether for a planned backyard barbecue or impromptu gathering of friends, she happy opened her home. Prayers for comfort during this time of immense sorrow. I’m so sorry.
Christine Mousseau
| #
Emily was beautiful, vibrant and had such a big heart. She is gone far too soon and she will be missed.
Gina Lacoy
| #
Mrs. Rogier,
So sorry for your heart breaking loss You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Although we did not know your mother, we are thankful that she passed on such amazing qualities that make you a wonderful person and teacher. Your students miss you and send their love.
Gina & Brady M.
Bernie + Dolly Comtois
| #
I was so surprise to hear of mom passing you have our deepest sympathy such a wonderful family,
I love Emily her great personality and beautiful smile will always stay with me ,it was to soon
never a dull moment when we were with her please know our prayers are always with you all
love Bernie and Dolly Comtois
Nancy (Goyette) Boutin
| #
Remembering back to being a kid at the Greenhalge and Robinson Schools and spending time at the Edward’s home. Emily was always so kind and always had a smile for everyone. She will be missed by many. My sincere condolences to Kim and her family.
donna callahan tourville
| #
emily and my older sister used to hang out when they were teenagers. I’ll always remember the day Emily came to visit up at Hampton beach. several of my siblings and I were sitting on the screened in porch of our rental cottage while it thunderstormed, bored that we were stuck indoors. then Emily decided to entertain us with her story of “bloody bones.” She told the story well, scaring the heck out of us at the finish, and we all loved it! I’ve since passed that story to my own two sons, and my grandson as well. But I could never tell it like she could. My sincere condolences to all Emily’s family and friends.
Kathy Comtois
| #
My Dear sweet Kim, Tina, And Diana; I don’t have any words that can ever say what is in my heart. I never thought this would happen in a million years. Pleas let me help you get through this. You had the best Mother in the world. She lived for the the of you. There was not a day that she would not mention the three of you. And Her four grandchildren. RIP My Dear Sister Emily, I will miss you every single day. My Sister my Best Friend. Love you.