Edith J. "Ede" Paoletti

Edith "Ede" Jean Paoletti, 75, of Clayton, Delaware, passed away peacefully on February 22, 2026. Born on June 12, 1950, in Wilmington, Delaware, Ede lived a life defined by quiet strength, unwavering kindness, and a deep devotion to her family.

Ede grew up in Elsmere and graduated from Conrad High School. She began her career as a secretary at a law firm in Wilmington before joining the Colonial School District, where she spent many dedicated years. She ultimately retired as the executive assistant to the superintendent, known for her steadiness, professionalism, and grace. In 1993, she received a kidney transplant - a life changing gift from her brother, Benjamin Lumb - and faced the years that followed, including long periods of dialysis, with remarkable courage and patience.

Ede was married to the love of her life, Rich, for 56 years, and together they built a home grounded in respect and love. She was a selfless working mother who provided for her family with strength and tenderness. To her children, she was a gentle, steady presence. To her grandchildren, she was a source of joy, warmth, and unconditional love. Many of her nieces and nephews saw her as a second mother, drawn to her easy spirit and her gift for making everyone feel cared for.

Raising her family was the great joy of her life. For years, the Paoletti family spent their weekends at their second home in Pot Nets, where Ede created a world filled with simple, unforgettable pleasures, swimming, fishing, crabbing, and long days on the Peaches pontoon boat. Those weekends became the heart of their family story, shared with cousins, friends, and anyone welcomed into Ede's warm orbit.

Ede was known for her thoughtful nature; she never missed a birthday or anniversary and never had a harsh word to say about anyone. She had the patience of a saint, a non judgmental heart, and a quiet generosity that touched everyone around her. She enjoyed bird watching, baking, reading, accessorizing, shopping QVC, and cruising with her husband whenever she could.

She also cherished time with her friends, especially their Bongo gatherings, remembered for loud laughter and the unmistakable sound of women having a wonderful time together. At home, she loved quiet evenings with coffee and cake shared with the people she loved most. She and Rich also enjoyed visiting a few beloved restaurants together, simple outings that brought her real happiness.

Ede is survived by her husband, Rich; her children, Rich (Vicki), Gina (Steve), and Angela (John); her grandchildren, Olivia, Isabella, and Philip Paoletti; Stephen and Mia Moore; and Jaxson and Luke Monioudis; her sister, Theresa Snead; and her brother and kidney donor, Benjamin Lumb. She was preceded in death by her siblings, James Lumb and Phyllis Hopper.

Ede was Roman Catholic and carried her faith quietly, without attachment to a particular parish. Honoring her wishes, she will be cremated, with no viewing, funeral, or formal procession. A committal service will be held at in the chapel at Cathedral Cemetery on Friday, March 6th, 2026 at 11AM where Ede will be laid to rest.

Her life was gentle, steady, full of love, and she will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her.