Jean Marie Edwards, age 86, passed away on August 2, 2022 surrounded by her adoring husband and loving family. She was born on July 17, 1936, daughter of James and Esther Wells Burnett in the town of Stockholm.

Jean gave birth to eight children, Claude White (CA), Larry White and wife Karen (NY), Carol Jean Clements and husband Pat (FL), Anne Hull (PA), Brenda Vanells and husband Joe (NY), Melinda Leech and husband John (PA), Belinda Wright (Joe Cunningham, Philip Wright, PA), William Judware and wife Joy (PA). Sparkie Edwards and wife Pam (PA), Doug Edwards (FL), Tammy Frontera and husband Chip (PA). Racheal, Delltin, Lalana and Mysun. Jean has 37 grandchildren and 68 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a great grandson, Hunter.

Jean has 4 surviving siblings, Art and wife Wanda (Wolcott, NY), Dennis Burnett (Winthrop, NY), Dale and wife Irene (Winthrop, NY), Andy and wife Ruth (Pottsdam, NY). She was preceded in death by one sister Eleanor Davis and 5 brothers: Albert, Arthur, Richard, David and Paul.

Jean was married to John (Jack) Edwards for 40 years. Jack was a truck driver and later in life Jean rode in the truck with him. They had many amazing adventures together and Jack will miss her terribly. Jean loved him and was always tending to his needs. As Jean laid dying she was telling people how to care for him. They have a 10-year-old dog named Bentley who slept with her.

Jean always did the around-the-house repairs. She was known to put shingles on a roof, build on an addition, use every power tool known to mankind. She taught all her children the difference between a circular saw and a jigsaw. She was an amazing woman and found a way to fix what she could even if with duct tape and a hot glue gun.

“My honey is beautiful and has the sexiest legs” (Jack Edwards).

“My mom was spunky and always laughing and making everyone smile” (Melinda Leech).

Mom always tried to act younger than what she was. She made me want to be a better mom and grandmother. She taught me how to be a loving person” (Belinda Wright).

“Mom was loving, we loved doing crafts and cooking together” (Brenda Vanells). Mom was loving, strong willed and always made jokes. She was the life of the party! (Billy Judware).

“I am glad my mother knew the Lord Jesus for eternal salvation” (Larry White).

“Mom always said there are no men or women’s jobs, just stuff that has to get done, so do it. Even on her deathbed, she said, I love you guys, it is going to be ok, please take care of Jack and my dog Bentley” (Anne Hull).

She will be so missed!

Friends may call at Van Matre Funeral Home in Waterford on Thursday, August 4th from 11am until time of the funeral at 1:00 pm. Burial will follow at Waterford Cemetery.