Obituary of Edna Betty Purdy

Edna Betty Purdy passed away peacefully on April 2, 2022, two days before her 98th birthday. Her children and several grandchildren gathered to be with her during her last hours cherishing the love that has been passed through the generations starting with her.

Edna was born on April 4, 1924 in Bellerose, New York. After graduating from high school, she attended secretarial college and then procured a secretarial position in New York City. There she met and married Donald Edwin Purdy who was in the U.S. Navy during World War II. After the war, the couple moved briefly to Chicago, Illinois and then to Marshfield, Wisconsin where Edna lived the rest of her life. The couple went onto have five children, all surviving with their spouses including Sandra Nielsen; Sue McBride; Bill Purdy, and his wife Lisa; Linda Bishop, and her husband William R.; and Dawn Frodl and her husband Joseph. Additionally, Edna has 13 surviving grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. Edna was predeceased by her husband, Donald; sister Marjorie Baumgarten and great granddaughter, Josie Anderson.

Edna will be forever remembered as a devoted mother who deeply instilled the value of familial love and loyalty, integrity and a sense that nothing was impossible given a vision and perseverance. She will be forever remembered by all for her happy laugh in response to good natured teasing, delicious cooking and baking, common sense advice, generous giving and ability to find joy in challenging circumstances. Whenever she said goodbye, she always added, “Now go have fun”.

A private family gathering to celebrate her life will be held.

Edna’s arrangements are under the care of Life Tributes Funeral Home-Spencer. Please visit www.lifetributesfuneralhome.com to share thoughts and condolences.