Obituary: Judith C. Edwards, 83, Formerly of New London

Judith C. Edwards
(November 21, 1932 - December 9, 2015)

Judith Cooper Edwards, 83, died on Wednesday, December 9, 2015 at Apple Rehab in Mystic. Judy was born November 21, 1932 in Hartford Connecticut to Levina and Thomas Cooper. She graduated from Westfield High School in Westfield, Massachusetts, 1951, and obtained a nursing degree in 1954 from Springfield Nursing College.

As a Registered Nurse, Judy proudly served in various nursing positions throughout her life, including in the Recovery room at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital in New London and as a College Health Professional at Connecticut College.

Judy was married to Raymond “Ray” W. Edwards, Jr. at the Union Chapel, Fishers Island, New York in 1955. The Rev. Ralph Waite (who later starred in the TV show The Waltons) officiated. Early in their marriage, Judy followed Ray to live in Alaska with their newborn daughter, Betty, while Ray worked on the “Dew Line.”

Shortly after returning stateside, she had her second child, Randy. Judy and Ray raised their family in Wethersfield and East Lyme and spent many weekends and summer months on Fishers Island, NY. In 1978, they moved to the island as year-round residents. Judy was proud of their waterfront home which she designed, managed construction, and joyfully filled with coastal decor.

She loved island living, enjoying the natural beauty, taking walks, swimming, and collecting sea glass. Shortly after moving to the island, she was an extra in “The World According the Garp” when scenes were shot at a seaside mansion.

Judy also enjoyed entertaining friends and family, meeting people, and waving to everyone as she went about her daily routines in the village and commuted by ferry to work and school on the mainland. Judy and Ray divorced in 1991, but remained close until Ray’s death in 1996.

Judy received a Bachelor of Arts in General Studies from the University of Connecticut in 1997, with a concentration in Women’s Studies. She had a particular interest in women’s spirituality and feminism, and took an interest in creative writing, especially poetry.

In 1999, Judy moved from Fishers Island, eventually settling into the Huntington Towers in New London, where she lived until transferring to Apple Rehab in 2012 after a stroke. In 2009, Judy self-published her memoir, “Beyond Low Ebb, Surviving a Marriage Wreck”, in which she courageously exposed her story of recovery from emotional abuse, shared the empowerment of her education, and reflected on the deep connection she had to the island, which she always considered her home.

Judy is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth Edwards Johnson of Sugar Land, TX, her son, Raymond Edwards III of Stonington, ME, brother, Frank Cooper of Enfield, CT, sister, Ellen Gill of Mystic CT, grandchildren Emma Barry, Kodiak, AK, Albert Johnson, Seattle, WA, Harold Johnson, Phoenix, AZ, great grand-daughter Mia Johnson, Phoenix AZ, and 8 nieces and nephews.

Judy’s family is grateful for the care and comfort the staff at Apple Rehab provided Judy in her final years, as well as the compassion of her loyal friends who visited or stayed in touch. There will be no calling hours. A private ceremony will be held on Fishers Island this coming summer.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Union Chapel, Fishers Island, NY 06390, or to a Fishers Island non-profit organization of one’s choosing. Please visit www.mysticfuneralhome.com to leave an online message of condolence.