PHARSALIA – Edith S. “Edie” Holmquist, 58, of Pharsalia, passed away unexpectedly Saturday afternoon, Dec. 6, 2008 at her home.
Edie was born in Norwich, the daughter of LeRoy and Mary Jane Russ Shaffer, in May of 1950. As a young girl she grew up on the family farm, working with her family in the production of maple syrup, hauling logs and enjoyed driving any tractor she could get her hands on. She attended and graduated from the Norwich High School. Following her education she entered the United States Army, graduating from Ft. McClellan, Ala. in 1970. During her time in the Army she was elevated to the rank of Pvt. E2 due to her dedication and discipline. Upon her honorable discharge, she was stationed for a short time at the Pentagon. On May 1, 1972, she married Edward Holmquist and in 1974, they moved back to the Pharsalia area.
Edie began her working career in Norwich on Eaton Ave. with Norwich-Eaton Pharmaceuticals. She continued working with the company and its successors OSG and NPI in the North Norwich facility, where she worked as the administrator of payroll.
She lived for her family, especially her grandchildren. Her favorite time of year was Christmas which was special to her because she knew she would be surrounded by the people she loved.
Edie is survived by her husband Edward of Pharsalia, her children; Edward (Shelly) Holmquist of Sherburne, Peggy Holmquist of Utica, Tracy Holmquist of Norwich and Tammy (Laszlo) Ivan of East Pharsalia, her grandchildren: Justin, Ashley and Emily Holmquist, Tyler and Brandon Schloop, Destinie Holmquist and Mariah and Cameron Ivan. Also surviving is her sister, Jane Franklin of Norwich; her brothers, Stanley (Stephanie) Shaffer of California, Lee Shaffer of Greene, Roy (Pam) Shatter of Dallas, Texas and David (Linda) Shaffer of Norwich. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
Funeral services for Edie will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday from the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home. The Rev. Paul Hills of Norwich will officiate. Interment will follow in the East Pharsalia Cemetery.
Friends may call at the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home on Wednesday from 6 to 9 p.m.
Please consider memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society, 13 Beech St., Johnson City, NY 13790.