Gloria Jean Edwards (Schmidt) Murphy passed away at on July 10, 2016 at the age 90. Gloria was born in Glenburn, PA.  She was a graduate of Union-Endicott HS, and married former classmate, Raymond W. Schmidt in 1951. They lived for many years in Newark Valley, where Ray passed away unexpectedly in 1973.  After 32 years of part time studies, in 1978 Gloria fulfilled a lifelong goal when she received her bachelor’s degree from Binghamton University.  On New Year’s Day 1983 Gloria married John J. Murphy.  They moved to Maine, NY, where John passed away in 2007.  Throughout her life, Gloria, volunteered her time and talents with many community organizations. As a young adult, she was a Girl Scout Leader and continued a lifetime of volunteerism through many organizations including the Maine Historical Society, Daughters of the American Revolution, and Aahmes Caldron No. 81.  She loved to travel and visited all but 2 of the US states and many foreign countries. She and John spent many winters visiting her father’s home in Aruba and many summers fishing for wall-eye at Big Gull Lake, Ontario, Canada.  Gloria was a member of the Maine Federated Church for over 50 years, participating on many committees and programs.  But the activity she was proudest of was the Senior Citizen Luncheon for which she organized activities and speakers and prepared meals for guests the last Wednesday of the month for over 25 years until stepping down in 2014.  Along with her parents, Wayne E. and Francis F. Edwards, Gloria is also predeceased by her son Randall J. Schmidt, her brothers James E. and Wayne F. Edwards, and her sister, Shirley Henneman.  Gloria is lovingly remembered by her sister, Dorothy (Kenneth) Young; her children Christina (Stephen) Korchynsky, Karen (Larry) Moulton, Ronald (Cynthia) Schmidt, Allen (Elizabeth) Schmidt, Kathryn (Michael) Mele, Robert (Rene) Schmidt, and Janette (Peter) Burnett; step-daughters Sharon (Charlie) Rothwell, Colleen (Burt) Mitchell, and Kim Murphy; fifteen grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.  The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at The Prentice House for their compassionate care.

The visitation will be held at the Maine Federated Church, 2615 Main Street, Maine, NY, Friday, July 15^th at 10 am followed by the funeral service at 11 am with Reverend Robert Dean officiating. Burial to follow at Vestal Hills Memorial Park Cemetery at the family’s convenience. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to ESF Foundation, The Randall J. Schmidt Scholarship Fund, 1 Forestry Road, Syracuse, NY 13210, or the charity of your choice.