Patricia Regina Cerillo Edwards, age 92, of West Haven, beloved wife to the late William J. Edwards, passed away peacefully on September 12, 2017. Born in New Haven on March 17, 1925, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Mabel (Kane) Cerillo. Patricia is survived by her daughter P.K. Edwards, daughter-in-law Margaret Edwards, and grandsons, Justin (Barbara Benardo) Edwards and Colin (Katie) Edwards. She was predeceased by her son Paul S. Edwards and siblings Joseph Cerillo, Amos Cerillo, Catherine Carey, and Gertrude Cerillo.
Patricia was a graduate of Saint John’s Grammar School and Commercial High School. She retired from her career as a secretary from IBEW Local 90. Patricia volunteered at Saint Lawrence School and was a member of the PTA Mothers Club, Saint Theresa Guild, Notre Dame Mothers Club, Notre Dame Parents Association and the Alumni Mothers Club.
A woman of great faith and strong convictions who later in life developed a wicked sense of humor. She generously opened her home to family and friends of all ages. Most of all, Sunday dinner with her family was a treasured tradition. In spite of a great fear of flying, boats, trains, cars and Ferris wheels, she managed to visit Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and Italy with her family. She celebrated her 90th birthday at Disney World which was the coldest most miserable experience of her life, in spite of it being the happiest place on Earth. She was a product of the greatest generation. She had great energy and determination to live an active life. Recovering quickly from double knee replacements at eighty-three and continued driving until age ninety-two.
Diagnosed with stage four cancer four years ago, she was lovingly and compassionately cared for by the extraordinary staff at Smilow GYN ONC. In the last two months, home hospice and CT Hospice of Branford has provided the care and support needed to keep her at ease and her passing peaceful. The family is grateful to the staff that does the work of angels. She was in God’s hands before she passed.
A visitation will be held on Thursday from 4 to 7 pm at the West Haven Funeral Home at the Green. The funeral procession will leave the funeral home Friday morning at 9:30 am for a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at Saint Lawrence Church at 10:00 am. Interment will follow in Saint Bernard’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

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