Edna Watson Wade

Edna Watson Wade 1916 ~ 2002  Our beloved mother and grandmother passed away peacefully while surrounded by loved ones on December 29, 2002. Edna Watson Wade was born on August 22, 1916 in Spring City, Utah to William Elliott and Anna Jeneve Clawson Watson. On January 22, 1942 she married Hope B. Wade in Anoka Minnesota where she was attending the University of Minnesota. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple.  Edna lived a life filled with faith, gratitude and service. She was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where she was a dedicated visiting teacher and served in a variety of teaching and leadership positions including Relief Society President of the Parleys Ward. She enjoyed singing in the ward choir and attending the temple and ward socials. With her husband Hope, she worked as a guide on Temple Square and at the Beehive House. Later they served as missionaries at the Oakland Temple Visitor's Center and in the Salt Lake Liberty Stake. Edna was a devoted wife and an exemplary mother and grandmother. Her life revolved around her posterity. She delighted in their spiritual growth and accomplishments and was supportive of them in times of trial. To her children and grandchildren she was a constant source of strength and inspiration. She was actively involved in their lives and they drew strength and confidence from her faith and cheerful disposition. To her nieces and nephews she was a surrogate mother. She had a genuine love and concern for her neighbors, friends and relatives. Quietly yet frequently she provided care, encouragement and wise counsel. She enjoyed beautiful roses, classical music and good books. Edna's persistent progression was not limited by age or health. In her eighties she took piano lessons, playing with arthritic fingers.  Edna possessed the faith and fortitude of her pioneer ancestors. At a young age she was blessed that she would never be discouraged. She lived to fulfill that promise and in so doing she has blessed those around her. Her last words "Thank you," and "I love you," were a fitting benediction to her life.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Hope; brothers: Elliott, Donald, and Gary. Survived by her sister, Helen (Merrill) Heward; brother, Frank (Valene) Watson; sister-in-law, Christine Gorke; three children: Stephen W. (Marcia), H. Bryce (Susan) and Kip O. (Peggy); 21 grandchildren and three great grandchildren.  Services will be held on Thursday, January 2, 2002 at 12 noon in the Parley's Sixth Ward Chapel, 2350 South 2100 East, where friends may call one hour prior to services and Wednesday evening from 6-8 p.m. at the Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 S Highland Dr., Salt Lake City. Interment, Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park. The family wishes to thank neighbors, friends and many others who cared for Edna in recent months. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the Perpetual Education Fund of the LDS Church.