Rita M. (McGuigan) Edwards

Rita M. Edwards, a fiercely independent and deeply loved mother, wife, and grandmother, passed away peacefully after a long and courageous journey with chronic illness on March 17, 2026.

Born in Philadelphia on October 13, 1953 to the late Eugene and Marion (nee Gay) McGuigan, she was known for her unmistakable Irish spirit—strong-willed, sharp, and never one to tolerate nonsense. Rita attended Holy Name of Jesus Grade School Class of 1968 and later St. Anne Business School, graduating in 1970. She maintained a deep care for her family with love and loyalty that never wavered. She carried herself with a kind of grit that made an impression on everyone she met. She spoke her mind, stood her ground, and loved in her own steadfast, enduring way.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 47 years Thomas C. Edwards, whom she shared her life with for 53 years. He cared for her with extraordinary commitment and quiet strength over nearly a decade of illness. Their bond, tested and proven through years of caregiving, was a reflection of enduring love in its truest form.

She also leaves behind her four daughters; Cheryl Welch (Shawn), Alison Edwards (Kevin Robinson), Colleen Danner (Joseph), and Tara Johnson (Matthew), who were shaped by her resilience, her fire, and her unwavering presence. They carry forward the lessons she gave—about strength, independence, and how to stand firmly in who you are.

 She was a grandmother to three beloved grandchildren, Regan, Maggie and Cooper, who brought light into her life and carry forward her spirit in the next generation.

Rita was also survived by a loving extended family; her dear aunt Mary McGuigan (late Frank), her uncle Joseph McGuigan, sisters in law Rita Dooley (late Jim) and Anne Caro (John), and her many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her brother Gene, her nephew Jeffrey, and her brother in law James Edwards (late Frances). 

Despite years of declining health, she continued to face life with determination and spirit. Her family finds peace in knowing she is now free from suffering and at rest as well as reunited with her many family and friends, especially her mother.

She will be remembered for her toughness, her wit, her honesty, and the undeniable force of her personality. She was, in every sense, unforgettable. 

A wake will be held on Monday March 23, 2026 from 7-9pm in the Hubert M. McBride Funeral Home 2357 East Cumberland Street Philadelphia, PA 19125. A second viewing will be held in St. Anne Church (upper) on Tuesday March 24, 2026 from 9:15-10:15am, followed by her Funeral Mass at 10:30am. Interment Resurrection Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor her memory by caring for those you love with patience and presence, and by holding tight to your own strength in the face of life’s challenges.

She fought the good fight. May she rest in peace.

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