Edith Marguriette Waite Mach, 91, passed away at her home surrounded by loved ones on Feb. 14, 2023.
Edie was born on July 3, 1931, in Pawlet, Vermont, to Martin Waite and Lillian Appling Waite. She married the love of her life, Gilbert Mach Sr., on May 10, 1948. It is no coincidence that she passed on Valentine’s Day to be with Big Gib.
Edie is survived by her three sons Eric (Vicky), Gilbert (Doreen) and Michael (Stacy).
Not only was Edie a caring mom, she also loved being a grandmother. She is survived by her grandchildren Ben and Laura (Jeremy) along with their mother Diane, DeAnna (Kanha) and Debra (Tristan) and Jacob, Jesse and Mike Russ along with their mother Tina. She was known as GiGi to her beloved five great-grandchildren Asher, Parker, Thatcher, Wyatt and Regan.
In addition to being the matriarch of her family, Edie was the matriarch of Pawlet, always showing up, lending a hand and spreading her light.
Edie was one of 13! She is survived by her siblings Sam, Myron, Mary Ann Merkley, Martin, Emily Burt, Charles, Donna Waite, Perry, Pamela Fuller and Bill along with several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by Marvin and Ruth Laporte.
Edie was a lover of life and art. She lived and loved with purpose. You could always find her outside enjoying nature, whether it was walking up Rupert Mountain Road with her dog Forest, hiking Haystack (at 86!), cross country skiing or working in her yard. She would pay close attention while cutting the grass, making sure to leave the pollinating flowers/weeds for the bees and butterflies. Her sons had to take away her chainsaw at 85.
Her strength and faith carried her through life. Pawlet’s yearly Art on the Green was hosted in her field. Edie had such an adventurous spirit, and travel was so important to her. Her favorite trips included the Holy Land, Egypt, Peru (Machu Picchu), Alaska, Hawaii and Newfoundland. It was nothing for her to hop in the car and drive to Maine just for lunch.
Edie’s first job was working for Ruth Sheldon. From there she worked at Mack Molding, Mach’s Market, Waite’s Locker, she owned and operated The Station restaurant for 20 years and then she painted houses.
Edie has always been community oriented. She volunteered for hospice for many years and would be the first to show up with food and come to a family’s aid when someone passed.
One thing for sure, the town could always count on her. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, helped in the early days of the Pawlet Volunteer Fire Department, was on the committee for the Pawlet Scholarships and played an integral role at the Pawlet Public Library and its annual book sale. Edie received a Citizen of the Year award from the Mettowee Valley Grange.
Faith and Christianity were important to Edie. She was an active member of the Pawlet Community Church and could be found roasting pork for their monthly suppers.
The celebration of Edith’s life and legacy will begin at the Pawlet Community Church on Saturday, Feb. 25, at 11 a.m. A reception will follow at noon in the back of Mach’s Market where stories will be shared.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Edie’s memory to the charities of your choice from Edie’s favorites: VNA Hospice Office of Philanthropy, VNA & Hospice of the Southwest Region, 9 Albert Cree Dr., Rutland, VT 05701 or online at vermontvisitingnurses.org/support-hospice; Pawlet Fire Department, 155 Vermont Route 133, Pawlet, VT 05761; Pawlet Public Library, 141 School St., Pawlet, VT 05761; Pawlet Community Church, 38 Vermont Route 133, Pawlet, VT 05761; or Vermont Foodbank, 33 Parker Rd., Barre, VT 05641.
