Mary Lea Edel, 83, Emporium

Mary Lea Edel, 83, of Emporium, PA, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, August 30, 2026.

She was born July 9, 1943, in Bradford, PA, a daughter of the late Elmer T. and Alyne Taylor Garwood.

On May 8, 1964, at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Bradford, she married the late Jay D. Edel.

Mary Lea was a 1961 graduate of Bradford Area High School. Following high school, she worked as a bank teller at Producers Bank in Bradford before becoming a homemaker and devoting her time to raising her family and serving her community.

Mary Lea was a woman who found great joy in helping others and being involved in the lives of those around her. She was a member of the Emporium Garden Club, volunteered for Story Hour at the local library, and served as a Girl Scout Leader for several years. From 1985 until 1991, she worked at Cameron County High School in the Family and Consumer Sciences Department.

She had many fond memories of spending time at the family farm in Titusville during her early years and developed a lifelong love of horses. Later, Mary Lea and her family enjoyed spending several summer seasons at Cranberry Lake, New York. While there, she was active with the Cranberry Lake Boat Club, taught Religious Education at St. Hubert's Church in Star Lake, and volunteered at a local horse-riding camp.

Her Catholic faith was an important part of Mary Lea's life. She was an active and devoted member of St. Mark Catholic Church in Emporium, where she participated in the choir, served with the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, served on Parish Council, taught Religious Education, and was involved with various Care and Concern committees. Through these many activities, she touched the lives of countless people and quietly gave her time and talents to her church and community.

Mary Lea also enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. She loved to bake and was especially known for knitting dishcloths, which she generously shared with friends and neighbors. Her thoughtfulness, kindness, and willingness to help others will be remembered fondly by all who knew her.

She is survived by her son, Leander Edel (Pency), Plano, Texas; two daughters, Stephanie Malizia (John), DuBois and Kimberlea Geci (Randy), St. Marys; four grandchildren, Breanna Whiting, Jared Whiting, Maryclaire Malizia, and John Malizia, III; four step-grandchildren, Joseph, Gina, Charles, and Anna Geci; and a sister, Nancy Stover, Parachute, Colorado.

In addition to her parents and husband, Jay D. Edel, she was preceded in death by a sister, Sandra Elaine Carnell.

Visitation with Video Tribute will be held at the Barnett Funeral Home on Monday from 5:00–7:00 PM.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mark Catholic Church, 235 East Fourth Street, Emporium, PA, on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 10:30 AM, with Rev. Paul S. Siebert, Pastor, as Celebrant.

Burial will be in St. Mark Catholic Cemetery, Emporium, PA.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mark Catholic Church, 235 E. 4th Street, Emporium, PA 15834.

Online Condolences may be placed at www.BarnettFuneralHome.net

BARNETT FUNERAL HOME, Inc. entrusted with arrangements.