A Sweet Soul, Dutch Grandmother, The Mayor, A Well Loved Staple of the Community, Her Welcome Mat Was Always Out.
These quotes/loving labels are just a few from those in our community who knew Edna well.
The following is a eulogy from the pastor of Edna’s church which was shared by Sharyn Miller.
Edna M Forsyth passed away on September 12, 2023, with family by her side. She lived a full and colorful life with a take-charge attitude right up until the end. Edna was born in Chicago, Illinois, on April 16, 1930 to Myrtle and Robert Sutter, proprietors of a local grocery store. She is preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Robert A. Sutter; and her husband, Harold (Hal) F. Forsyth.
Edna grew up in Hammond, Indiana and attended Indiana University earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education. She was a member of Phi Mu sorority sparking a penchant for service leadership. Edna put her degree to good use as an elementary teacher while beginning her family, first in West Lafayette, Indiana, and then moving to Annandale, VA. She retired from teaching and experimented with many small business forays before becoming the sales department for her sister-in-law, Eva Haynal Forsyth, in Eva’s wedding dress business. She reveled in that role traveling in Asia and all over the U.S.
Edna and Hal moved to Oakland, MD, after her second retirement. Never idle, she devoted her time to many causes and interests such as the Dove Center and the Civic Club of Oakland, while trying her hand at snowmobiling during the long winter months. While in Oakland, she was an early congregant of Crossroads Church. She would continue her relationship with that church even after moving to Midlothian, Va, watching You Tube Sunday broadcasts of their services every week.
Edna moved to Brandermill Woods in Midlothian. Within months she was once again right in the thick of things from bridge club, knitting group, Woman’s Club, and joining the P.E.O. Sisterhood. She was also introduced to the Richmond Ballet which brought her much joy. Always a learner, she found time to take history courses from the Lifelong Learning Institute of Chesterfield; and, yes, she always drove herself.
Edna will be remembered as someone who would light up and command a room. She loved to regale everyone with tales of her travels, her life, but above all else, her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was never without a knitting project and showed her love through handmade scarves, gloves, shawls, and her famous Christmas stockings (of which she made more than 50!). She loved a good happy hour and good company. Her zest for life and great stories will be missed by all.
Edna is survived by her daughter, Diana Beran (Dave), sons, Bruce Vorsanger (Ginny) and Robert Vorsanger (Katie); grandchildren, Dave, Becky, Michael, Todd, and Corey; and great grandchildren, Blythe, Blair, Leah, Winston, and Sutter. Her family is especially thankful to the wonderful friends and administration at Brandermill Woods.
A celebration of Edna’s life will take place on October 26th, 2023 at 3:00 pm at the Brandermill Woods Clubhouse. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Crossroads Church, 17781 Garrett Hwy, Oakland, MD, 21550 or the Richmond Ballet, 407 E Canal St, Richmond, VA,