Edith Alvena Caldwell

EDITH ALVENA CALDWELL passed away on August 7. 2009, in Spring, TX at the home of her daughter and son-in-law, Gail and Calvin Leonard. She adopted Texas as her home in 2007 after the death of her beloved husband of 64 years, Bryant L Caldwell. She was a devout Catholic and her faith was undeniable. There is no doubt that she now resides with her Lord and Savior. Edith was born in Newark, NJ, 89 years ago, to Helena and Edwin M. Gibbons. She graduated from Barringer High School in Newark and later went on to become an LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse). She also worked for J Chayn Toy Company, but the majority of her working years were spent as an Electronic Technician at GV Controls in Livingston, NJ, from which she retired in 1982. She was preceded in death by her parents, her step-father, George Cox; her husband, Bryant Caldwell; her sister, Theresa Gibbons; her brothers, Paul Gibbons and Charles Cox. She leaves a wealth of family and friends to celebrate and cherish their time with her, including: daughters, Gail Leonard (Calvin), Helena Smith (Clifton); grandchildren: Bryant E. Caldwell (Andrea), Cicely Thornton (Thomas), Bryant A. Leonard; great grandchildren: Charail Brown and Tariq Caldwell and great, great grandchild, Desmond Patterson; sisters, Marguerite Howell and Frances Thomas; brothers, Clarence Cox, Carl Cox and John Cox. Though she had many friends, her "sister-friend", Alma Hanks, was very loved by her. Edith fought a long and courageous battle with cancer and all the doctors, nurses and technicians she encountered during her 15 years of treatment recognized what a special, loving and intelligent woman she was. God surrounded her with absolutely wonderful medical personnel in NJ with Dr. Gregory Shypula, Karen Barany, RN and Dr. Walter Borowski. The caring continued in Texas with Dr. Michael (Luhua) Wang and with the many other doctors and nursing staff at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, who are too numerous to name, but none the less remembered for their many kindnesses. Joe Ramsubhag, R.N. of Vitas Hospice Care provided Edith and the family with unrelenting support and pertinent and timely education. The entire hospice team was fully engaged and responsive. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, August 18 2009 from 5:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at James E. Churchman Funeral Home, 345 13th Ave., Newark, NJ. A funeral mass will be held at St. Mark's Catholic Church, 287 Hamilton St, Rahway, NJ on August 19, 2009 at 10:00 A.M.