Susan J. Edwards
Susan J. Edwards of Hendersonville, North Carolina, a longtime nurse and community volunteer, died on October 21, 2026, at Elizabeth House after a brief series of illnesses.
She was born April 7, 1943, in Angola, NY. She was the daughter of Robert and Mary Ann Grupa Laverty. On December 28, 1968, she married John P. Edwards, who survives. Edwards was a 1961 graduate of Lake Shore Central School, Angola, NY. She earned an RN degree from the Edward J. Meyer Memorial Hospital School of Nursing, Buffalo, NY, in 1964.
Besides her husband, she is survived by two sons, Dean (Cara) S. Edwards of Berlin, CT, and Steven P. Edwards of Hendersonville, NC, as well as a grandson, Noah Philip Edwards, of Berlin, CT. Edwards is survived by a brother, Robert (Mindy) Laverty of The Villages, FL, as well as several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a sister, Nancy Kelly (Daniel) of The Villages, FL.
During her nursing career, Edwards held various positions with Four Seasons Hospice in Hendersonville, NC, Cattaraugus County Mental Health Department, and the Saint Francis Hospital in Olean, NY, the Houghton Nursing Care Center, the St. Jerome Hospital of Batavia, NY, the Lockport, NY Memorial Hospital, and the Edward J. Meyer Memorial Hospital of Buffalo, NY. She also served as the Patient Care Manager and Admissions Coordinator of the Home Health Care and Hospice of Southwestern New York, Olean, NY. Edwards was a wonderful and dedicated caregiver who was loved by her patients and their families.
Edwards was a loving wife and mother who was recognized for her good works in Olean, NY, by being named the 2000 Gilbert Stinger Award winner by the Olean Times Herald. The award is made to a community person whose life exemplifies kindness, love, and good deeds. Edwards attended St. James Episcopal Church, Hendersonville, NC, where she served as a chalice bearer, usher, and lay Eucharistic visitor. She also served on the St. James Church Charities Board.
Edwards liked nothing more than being with her grand dogs, Ash, Keith, and Missy, and her flowers, plants, and weeds, as well as the neighborhood birds. She had a smile and pleasant words for everyone. Some would say that she was one of God's many saints on earth.
Burial and funeral arrangements are at the discretion of the family. Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor's choice. Thanks and appreciation are extended to the staff of Four Seasons Hospice, Hendersonville, NC, for their efforts on behalf of Susan as the end of her life approached.
