In the Book of Numbers in the Old Testament, the writer states that Moses was the meekest and humblest of all men – traits of character that also describe Sister Mary Edwardanne Mutha who quietly slipped away from the earth on Sunday, May 22, 2022 at 5:25 p.m. as the Sisters prayed by her bedside.

She was 83 years old and was a Felician Sister for 57 years.

Sister Edwardanne was born to Miles Murtha and Ellen Grant in Dover, New Jersey, on the Feast of Saint Joseph, March 19, 1939. Faithful to their Irish heritage, her parents named her Patricia, honoring Saint Patrick.

When Patricia and her sister Marilyn became of school age, their parents enrolled them in the East Paterson Public Schools from which they both graduated.  Sister Edwardanne then attended Lodi High School, graduating in 1957.

Sister Edwardanne's family's move from Dover was caused by her father's work.  When they settled in Lodi, Patricia learned of the Felician Sisters and was deeply attracted to their way of life.  She loved Jesus and wished to serve Him in others.

Fulfilling her desire, she entered the community on July 26, 1965 and became a postulant.  One year later on August 4, 1966 she was invested with the Felician Franciscan habit and received the name Sister Mary Edwardanne.  On August 5, 1967, she professed her first vows and six years later, on August 6, 1973, her final vows.

Although fearful of teaching, she accepted her first assignment to grade 3 at Our Lady of Good Counsel School in Southampton, Pennsylvania.  Sister Edwardanne survived the difficult year and agreed to accept a second year at Our Lady of the Lake School in Mount Arlington, New Jersey – again, grade 3.  By June, Sister Edwardanne knew that teaching was not the ministry that the Lord intended for her.

Her next assignment was at the provincial house as chauffeur and receptionist as well as shopper for the local minister.  In these services, Sister Eddie began to shine.  She became an expert at driving directions to all parts of New Jersey.  She was excellent in navigating the roads and highways.  Other drivers sought her out to get directions in the days when there was no GPS.

Being with the sisters and serving them like Jesus was a joy for her as she kindly drove them to and from medical appointments and never showed favoritism.  She took anyone and everyone, anywhere and everywhere.  Since she cherished her time to be with Jesus, she always attempted to be home for evening prayer if her driving schedule permitted.

Sister Edwardanne also enjoyed recreation with the Sisters.  The former Mayor Tony Luna often invited the Sisters to his family home on Lake Swartswood and Sister Eddie would sign up for the trip.  In fact, Mayor Luna and Sister  Edwardanne realized that they were classmates in Lodi High School.  Sister Edwardanne would always beam with joy when the Mayor recognized her among the other Sisters.

As much as Sister  Eddie loved the Sisters of her community, she also loved her sibling Marilyn Murtha.  Marilyn struggled with different disabilities and Sister Edwardanne would try her best to steer her through life, making sure she received the help she needed.  The bond between the two Sisters was very evident.  In fact, both sisters died on May 22 in different years.

When Sister Edwardanne was no longer able to drive or shop, store owners and doctors missed her and asked where she was.  The question would be "Where is the quiet, patient Sister who came to our store or medical office with other Sisters?"

With diminishing health, Sister Edwardanne became a resident of Our Lady of Lourdes infirmary.  She accepted the change from active ministry to a new way of life as the Will of God.

In 2022, pneumonia and an infection caused her gentle death.

Sister Edwardanne is survived by the members of her "grono" who supported her in prayer and in other ways throughout her life, especially when she was close to death.

The funeral Mass for Sister Edwardanne was offered in Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel in Lodi on Wednesday, May 25, 2022  at 10:00 a.m.  Burial followed in the Felician Sisters' Cemetery in Lodi.  Since her death and the death of Sister Antonia Marie Groszkowski were one day apart, their funeral services were held together.

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord.  May she rest in peace.