Barbara Anne Edwards

Barbara Anne Baxter Edwards of Honesdale died peacefully surrounded by her loving family at Wayne Memorial Hospital on October 26, the culmination of a long and wonderful life. She was 93.

The only daughter of the late George and Anna Whitty Baxter, Franklin (MA), Barbara was predeceased by her beloved husband David who passed away in 2023. They were married for nearly 60 years.

Barbara graduated from Franklin High School, a proud member of the Class of 1949. She went on to earn her bachelor's degree from Boston University. She did her master's work at Syracuse and the University of Scranton.

As anyone who knew her understood right away, Barbara was born to be a teacher. She loved being in the classroom and for more than three decades left a loving, lasting impression on thousands of students. Even in her nineties, former students who encountered her around town would be amazed how quickly she recalled their names and shared memories with them.

Among the proudest achievements of her teaching career were establishing and overseeing three writing programs: Hornet Highlights (in conjunction with The Wayne Independent), The Buzz (student newspaper) and Reflections (quarterly literary magazine). But it was the bond she shared with her students that truly defined her career. She always had time to listen and went above and beyond countless times to try and make young lives better in any way she could.

She was advisor to the classes of 1960 and 1966, yearbook advisor, English Department chairman and HHS public relations director. She thoroughly enjoyed her years as an officer in the Friends of Football, but her favorite title was "Official Mom" to the Class of 1984.

Sports were always a big part of Barbara's life. She was a passionate baseball fan who rooted hard for her beloved Red Sox each year. Some of her favorite memories of her early days in Honesdale were of sitting in the wooden bleachers with her Dad at the old Stourbridge ballfield and cheering the Ramblers on sun-soaked summer afternoons.

Barbara's life was also filled with music. She was a founding member of the choir at St. John the Evangelist and sang faithfully for more than 40 years.

Barbara was a wonderful Mom and Nana. She adored her sons, grandchildren and great grandchildren, celebrating their victories and always there to comfort them in defeat. We are so lucky and blessed to have had her in our lives.

Barbara is also survived by her sons: Kevin and girlfriend Teri; Patrick and wife Lindsay; and Sean. She is also the proud grandmother of Alec Edwards, Scout Reeder and Max Edwards. She's also the loving great grandmother of Kaiser, Charlie, Danika, Ayla and David. She also had a special place in her heart for Natalie and Ronnie.

Please join us in celebrating Barbara's incredible life! There will be visitation at Hessling Murray Funeral Home on Friday, November 7 from four to seven p.m. A memorial mass will be celebrated at St. Mary Magdalen Roman Catholic Church Saturday morning at 10 a.m.

Flowers and cards are welcome, but if you'd truly like to honor Barbara's memory, do something kind for someone who may be lost or hurting.

Rest in Peace, Nana. We know you've finally been reunited with your beloved Papa.