Edith J. Neidinger

Edith Neidinger, born in Milwaukee to Anna and W.R. Petersen, quickly became known as "Edie" to her many friends and neighbors. It was her future husband Jerome Neidinger who affectionately bestowed the name "Edsie" on her during their courtship. Whatever name you knew her by didn't change her positive and cheerful outlook on life, although her subsequent three children did dial it back a bit. At that time being a housewife did not come with modern conveniences like disposable diapers, automatic clothes washers and driers, or microwave ovens. In fact, her early married life did not include an automobile.
When she finally did re-enter the workforce after weaning the kids, it was as a temporary office services employee. Meanwhile, Jerry (as he was called) impressed his bosses at A.O. Smith such that they offered him a promotion in 1969 and transferred him to Smith Meter in Erie, where they settled in Millcreek. Edie was discovered by the Erie Housing Authority shortly thereafter and quickly became a favorite employee with both tenants and staff.
She and Jerry had an active social life, belonging to the Asbury Community Seniors, The Salvation Army, and the Erie Traffic Club. Both were choir members and congregants at Trinity Lutheran Church.
They also traveled extensively, sometimes attending Elderhostel events or on international tours/cruises. During such times they socialized easily, in part due to Edie's infectious laughter and the bright pink cheeks that blossomed on her face after a single drink. The latter resulted in yet another name for this wonderful lady – "Grandma Rose". If you knew her by this name it is certain you were having a good time. During her 102 years on this earth she had a kind word and smile for everyone. She passed away peacefully on Christmas Day with son Richard at her side.
Edie is predeceased by Jerry, her sister Janet (Carlson), her brother Gordon (killed in WWII), and a granddaughter Jennifer. She is survived by children Jeffrey (Mary Jo), Gloria, and Richard (Cynthia), as well as their children Rebecca (David), Jackey (Matt), Melissa (Gus), Rachael, and Gordon. Also survived by 5 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild, and several nieces/nephews.
The family extends appreciation to the staff at Asbury Springhill for attentive care given to Edie during her residency. Friends may call at Trinity Lutheran Church, 14 E. 38th St., on Tuesday, December 30th from 12:00 p.m. until time of funeral service there 1:00 p.m.. Burial will follow in Laurel Hill Cemetery. Funeral arrangements were made by the Russell C. Schmidt & Son Funeral Home Inc., 5000 Wattsburg Rd., Erie, 16504.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Trinity Lutheran Church or to The Salvation Army.
Please visit www.SchmidtFuneralHomeErie.com to leave a condolence on Edith's Tribute Page. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Edith, please visit our floral store.