Edith Pearl Mills passed away at home on March 26th after a seven year battle with Parkinson's Disease. She was 85. Edie was born in Livingston Manor, NY, on September 5, 1940 to Henry and Violet Welch. Edie was known as "Ma" to so many in her hometown. She loved children for their innocence, wonder, and pure hearts. Nothing in the world brought her more joy than family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Edie has touched so many lives that it would be impossible to list them all.

Edie's family moved to Norwich, NY, when she was a toddler but returned to Manor at age 10 when her father went into the logging business with his brother. It's hard to imagine nowadays, but as a youngster her home had no electricity and they finally got indoor plumbing when she was 12. She started babysitting as a teen and also worked for some of the famous local hotels of the day, such as the Temple Inn. An alumni of Livingston Manor Central School, she was the first in her family to graduate high school. With the money she saved up, she also was the first to attend college (SUNY New Paltz). Edie always wanted to be a teacher but fate had other plans and she married at 19 and soon became a mom.

Edie would spend years volunteering at LMCS when her boys were in school. She was a member of the Methodist church and loved singing in the choir. Edie's doors were always open and you always felt welcomed. She happily shared what little she had. She even welcomed a "Fresh Air Fund" boy from NYC in the 70's; Ronnie Best. He kept in touch through the years, visiting often after her diagnosis, and was even there at the end.

Edie was employed at many places in her lifetime. Very independent, proud, and hard working, she worked three jobs at times. She loved waitressing and worked at several Manor eateries until she ran her own, the Tree Hut, from 1995-2001. Edie opened early so locals could start their workday with a cup of coffee and conversation. But her favorite was at the end of the day, when children of all ages would come for an ice cream. Edie just adored seeing others, especially youngsters, enjoying the simple pleasures of life.

She would then bring her compassionate and patient ways to Sullivan County ARC where she worked for several years. Around this time she also found the time to care for her sister during her battle with diabetes but lost her in 2007. Lastly, Edie worked as a teacher aide at LMCS and retired at 73. A country girl at heart, Edie loved country music and westerns. She enjoyed planting flower beds. Giraffes were a favorite, and her home was filled with all things giraffe.Her favorite place to be was on her porch swing.

Edie is survived by her sons Tim (Michelle) and Tom, her grandchildren Mary Rielly (Kevin), Michael (Ashley), Faith (fiance Ryan), Farrah, Fern, Tommy, and granddaughter-in-law Carlee. Great grandchildren Mason and Jocelyn (mom Vanessa), Brooke, Mack, Sadie, Cora, Alice, Daisy and Henry. Edie also leaves behind her dear friend Susie Lavelle and former daughter-in-laws, Pat and Angela. For 40 years she treated these three as the daughters she never had. She is also survived by sister-in-law Emma Welch and several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Her sister's children, Doreen(Earl Sr) Ross and Eric Kavanaugh had a special bond with their Aunt Edie.

Edie is predeceased by sister Henrietta and brother-in-law Ray Kleingardner, brother Winnie Welch, and dearest cousin, Lewis Hendrickson. Her greatest losses were sons Chris (d.1963), Mark (d.1992), and John (d.2011), and grandson Timmy (d.2023). She remained grateful for what she still had through every heartbreak. Edie was one of the strongest people to live and an inspiration to many.

Self-pity was not in Edie's vocabulary, only resilience; even after her diagnosis. Many times her faith was shaken but never broken. Edie once said "My family,...and the belief in God, he has seen me through. Another thing is this town and it has seen me through a lot". Livingston Manor has lost one of their matriarchs. Nothing will fill the void left in our hearts, but what a blessing to have known her.

Visitation will be held Saturday, April 4th from 1-4 at Colonial Bryant Funeral Home, 29 Pearl St, Livingston Manor, NY 12758. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home at 3:00pm. Private burial will be in the spring.