Edith Y. VanTassel

Edith Y. (Nelson) Van Tassel

Edith Y. Van Tassel, 89, a resident of Edinboro Manor, passed away on Wednesday, December 17, 2025. She was born October 3, 1936 in Hutchins, Pa., the daughter of George and Mildred (Finn) Nelson.

After graduating from Kane High School, Edith moved to East Springfield, Pa., where she met her husband, William (Bill) Van Tassel. The couple were married December 31, 1956, at the East Springfield Federated Church. They moved to Platea where they raised their three children. Later they moved to Kane and Tylersburg, Pa. Upon Bill’s death in 2006, Edith returned to the Girard area to be close to family.

Edith worked at Jacobsen Equipment, Lord Corporation, and the Northwestern School District as a library assistant. Later she joined her husband, Bill, buying and selling antiques. Afterwards, she owned and operated Van’s Janitorial Services which contracted with the National Forestry Office in Marienville, Pa. from which she retired in 2008.

Edith enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was affectionately known as GG. Her hobbies included visiting with family, rides in the countryside, crossword puzzles, and knitting afghans to give to family members.

She will be greatly missed by her daughter, Billie Jo (Dan) Maher, son, Richard Van Tassel and her brother, Robert (Shirley) Nelson. Her grandchildren, Eric (Heidi) Vorse, Shawn (Kelly) Vorse, Christopher (Devon) Vorse, Brandi (Randy) Miller, Stacy (Jay) Dinger, Daniel (Emmalee) Maher, Tammy Rader and Richard (Julianne Baskerville) Van Tassel along with 23 great grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Edith was preceded in death by her husband, Bill; daughter, Terri Vorse; sisters, Beatrice Paul, Nadine Nelson; and brother, George Nelson.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff at Edinboro Manor and Interim Hospice.