Edith Rose Ermisch

Our beautiful mother, Edith Rose Reed Ermisch passed away peacefully at home on November 12, 2025, with her family holding her hands—just as she always wanted. She was 89 years old and, true to her nature, faced every challenge with grace, optimism and faith.

Four and a half years ago, she was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer, but she never let that define her, She took each day as a gift, smiling through the hard moments and finding joy in the smallest things—like a good dessert, a quiet afternoon of old movies, or hearing the latest news from family and friends.

Mom was a stay-at-home mother, and that was her greatest calling. She poured her heart into raising her three children, creating a home that was warm, loving, and filled with the smells of good cooking. Her Italian heritage shone through in her kitchen—her lasagna, ravioli, and pies were a favorite with her family, and no one could make them quite like she did.

She was “Gram” to nine grandchildren, twenty-four great grand children and her sweet great-great granddaughter, who all brought her such joy. She also had a large and loving church family who meant the world to her.

After Dad retired, they spent many happy winters in Florida. They loved taking short trips, seeing new sights, and simply being together. She learned to quilt there. Mom was meticulously neat when it came to sewing, cross stitch or anything she tried. It was hard to tell the front from the back of any project she created! She outlived many of her friends and family members, and while she missed them deeply, she carried their memory with her. The hardest loss for her was her son, who passed away three years ago in an accident. Even through the heartbreak, she found strength in her faith and family.

Mom loved people. She loved knowing what was going on in everyone’s lives—not to gossip, (well, maybe a little) but because she truly cared. Even as her eyesight and hearing declined, she didn’t want to miss a thing. She was curious, kind and always ready to listen.

Mom lived a simple life and never needed many “things”. She was frugal and practical—saving containers, reusing zip lock bags and wrapping paper and making the most of what she had. What she treasured most was time with family, laughter around the table, and the joy of her nightly bowl of ice cream (or choosing dessert first so she wouldn’t miss out!)

Her faith was her foundation, although she spoke little about it. She loved the old hymns—“Amazing Grace” and “In the Garden” were her favorites—and she found comfort in the 23rd Psalm: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” We take comfort in knowing she is now walking peacefully in that garden she loved to hear about, surrounded by grace, light, and eternal love.

During her last month, she was under hospice care and looked forward to the wonderful people who cared for her. She never complained about her pain and always managed to smile. She was beautiful, even on her last day.

She was the heart of our family, the keeper of our stories, and the one who taught us what unconditional love looks like. We will miss her every day, but we are so thankful for the time we had and the love she gave us all.

Surviving are her daughters:

Lynn (John) Petlock, Sugar Run

Jill Mullen, Sugar Run

Grandchildren:

John Jason (Meghan) Petlock, Wyalusing

Adam (Sara) Petlock, Sugar Run

Joshua Petlock, Sugar Run

Rachel (Wes) Sznaider, Wyalusing

Brian (Dee) Gola, Roaring Brook

Kelly (Dan) Sleboda, Dunmore

Kacie (David) Grieco, Waverly

Dana Ermisch (Brian Putney), Laceyville

Hillary (Erik) Kjelgaard, Towanda

24 Great Grandchildren: Mallory (Bailey), Tessa, Cooper, Myles, Wes, Clayton, Parker, Tyler, Caleb, Anna, Jacque, Rosee, Lena, Emily, Brian, Nathan, Myra, Danny, Bryce, Maddyson, Daniel, Ian, Scott, Tucker and one Great-great granddaughter, Jaycee

Mom also had a niece, nephew and a special cousin, Rosie, with whom she spoke each week.

Besides her parents and many others she was preceded in death by

Husband, Robert A. Ermisch (2015)

Son, Robert D. Ermisch (2022)

Daughter-in-law, Wanda J. Ermisch (2021)

A celebration of her life will be held at the Wyalusing Presbyterian Church on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, with a calling hour beginning at 11:00 am. A Service to Witness to the Resurrection will be held at 12:00 noon with Reverend Bruce Jordan of the church officiating. Arrangements are under the care of Sheldon Funeral Home, Wyalusing, PA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Edith’s name to the Wyalusing Presbyterian Church, PO Box 25, Wyalusing, PA 18853, or the Wyalusing American Legion Post #534, PO Box 71, Wyalusing, PA 18853 or Guthrie Hospice, 421 Tomahawk Road, Towanda, PA 18848.