Edna Mae Massimilla

1916 - 2021

Edna Mae Massimilla
A poet, musician and advocate for the least of these, Edna Massimilla left a wonderful mark on this world when she peacefully went to be with God on Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021. Edna was 104 years old and left behind a legacy that will be felt for generations to come.
Edna was born in New York City in 1916—a time marked by great change and progress for our nation. While immigrants flooded Ellis Island and some of the world's tallest buildings were erected, Edna enjoyed a childhood of hustle and bustle in the Big Apple, often visiting Coney Island for a hotdog by the shore.
In 1941, Edna married John Massimilla. She worked as a secretary in his New York law office. John was also a real estate broker and Edna a real estate sales person. In her spare time, Edna kept busy by writing for local publications like The Public Spirit in Hatboro, Pa., The Harrington Journal in Harrington, Del. and The Milford Chronical in Milford, Del.
Together, she and John raised five daughters—Mary, Joan, Ruth, Kathy and Alice. Their middle daughter, Ruth, was born with Downe Syndrome. Ruth's spirit and life would go on to greatly impact the Massimilla family, who was told at the time of Ruth's birth that it would be best to send her to an institution. Edna and John felt called to bring Ruth home instead.
When John received the call to ministry later in life, Edna devoutly followed his path. Edna worked side by side with John at all the churches he served throughout the Peninsula-Delaware Conference.
Throughout her life, Edna continued to pursue her passion for writing. Inspired by her daughter Ruth, Edna wrote "Heaven's Very Special Child" shortly after Ruth's birth in 1952. The poem painted a picture of a divine meeting between God and his angels trying to determine where to send a handicapped child who would grow to give much love and joy to the family they joined. Since its publication, the poem has been read by millions and translated into multiple languages. This poem, along with Edna's many other contributions to the disabilities community, established her as an advocate for those with special needs.
Up until Ruth's death in 1995 and after, Edna published books, brochures and articles celebrating those with special needs. She was even in contact with the late President John F. Kennedy about legislation specifically for those with mental handicaps (Edna received a letter from JFK—the last letter he ever sent— about the work she and John were doing for the special needs community). Edna and John started a school for those with mental retardation and served on a board for a sheltered workshop, as well as led worship at the Hospital for the Mentally Retarded in Georgetown, Del.
After her husband's death, Edna resided in retirement communities for her remaining years. She spent little time resting and retiring, though. Edna founded spiritual life committees, produced hymn books, played the piano for weekly and special services and took care of several dogs—her last one, Martha—well past the age of 100. She was still writing poetry and working on a devotional for dog lovers up until a week before her death.
Edna's great joy was knowing her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She was a long time active member of Lehman Methodist Church in Hatboro.
She is survived by her four daughters, Mary Dunlap (Bart); Joan Pascucci; Kathy Tramontana (Luddy) and Alice Massimilla Cook (Charles); 11 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and two more great grandchildren to be born in May and June of 2021. Her children, grand and great children were her life's joy. She was pre-deceased by her daughter Ruth.
Although her physical presence is no longer here, we know Edna's spirit and her zest for life will remain on this Earth for many years to come.
Her service and interment will be held privately.
To share farewell messages online, please visit the funeral home web site listed below. Baskwill Funeral Home www.baskwill.com