Ethel Margaret (Balshaw) Edwards, active in community
Ethel Margaret (Balshaw) Edwards, 84, of Georgetown passed away with her daughter by her side Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020.
Ethel was born Oct. 9, 1935, in Flint, Mich., to the late Joshiah and Helen (Nalty) Balshaw and was the youngest of their four children, Helen (Balshaw) Larson, Joshiah William Balshaw and Albert Balshaw, all of whom preceded Ethel in death. In her youth, Ethel enjoyed spending time in Bradford, Ontario, Canada, with her Aunt Ethel and Uncle Albert. She graduated in 1954 from Central High School in Flint, with the hopes of becoming a secretary. Ethel was very close with her siblings, especially her sister Helen Larson and her children, Sharon (Larson) Hopak and Terry Larson, who also have preceded her in death.
Mrs. Edwards enjoyed working for Fischer Body in Flint in the human resources department until 1960 when she met her future husband, Major Harley Allen Edwards Jr., USAF Ret.; they married Oct. 16, 1960, in Flint. Eventually the couple settled in Bowie, Md., where they raised their two children, Harley Allen III and Heather Anne. Mrs. Edwards enjoyed a long and well-respected career of 25 years with Bowie City Hall as an executive administrative assistant to the director of community services. Ethel was well thought of by her co-workers and the public she served. She very much enjoyed being the adopted grandmother of her co-workers’ children.
Ethel was active in her Village of Cinderberry Community and social committee. She loved being part of the “Mermaids” water aerobics group, as well as Bible Study Fellowship in Milford. Ethel was known for her infectious smile and encouraging personality. Her “Ministry of a Smile” encouraged others wherever she went.
Ethel enjoyed arts and crafts of a wide variety and was a talented floral arranger. She was a lifelong fan of Broadway plays and musicals. She enjoyed classic movies, especially with Mario Lanza and Doris Day, watching British comedies, reading, crossword puzzles, word searches and faithfully watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! each night.
In addition to her parents, siblings and husband, Ethel is also preceded in death by her son, Harley Allen Edwards III, as well as extended family members whom she loved dearly.
She is survived by her daughter, Heather Anne Edwards Newman and husband James “Jim” Newman of Georgetown; and an array of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, extended family and devoted friends.
A time of visitation will be held from 2 to 4 p.m., and 6 to 8 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 18, in the chapel of Short Funeral Services, 609 E. Market St., Georgetown. Interment will be held privately at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery. All attending must wear a face mask and adhere to social distancing guidelines.
In lieu of flowers, contributions are welcome to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963, or Delmarva Adult and Teen Challenge, PO Box 1271, Seaford, DE 19973
Online condolences are welcome for the family at www.shortfuneralservicesandcremation.com
