Brighton: Sister Mary Edwina, a Sister of Mercy for 85 years, was called home to God on December 27 at the age of 102. A native of Elmira, she was one of the five “founding sisters” of Notre Dame High School in
Elmira, NY in 1955.
Sister Edwina earned a BA in French with a minor in Latin from Nazareth College, a BMU in Music from Marywood College, and a MMU in Public School Music from Eastman School of Music. She also received a certificate of approval in oral French from DePaul University. She taught music at several Diocesan Elementary Schools, then English, French, Latin and Social Studies at Our Lady of Mercy HS. She was vice-principal of Cardinal Mooney HS and taught French and music there as well as at Notre Dame HS.
A major part of her legacy was her teaching of French and organizing student trips to France. She received the McAuley Award from Notre Dame HS in 2009. Well into her 90’s, she spent a year studying Mandarian Chinese with ND students.
She is survived by her nieces and nephews, and the Sisters of Mercy.

Friends are welcome Friday, December 29 from 4:00-7:00 PM, at Mercy Center, 1437 Blossom Road, where her vigil service will be held at 7:00 PM. Her funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, December 30 at 10:00 AM at Mercy Center. Interment will follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Donations in her memory may be made to the Sisters of Mercy or Notre Dame High School, Elmira, NY