Edwina Lee Forde-Burge

On May 31, 2022, Edwina Forde of Vallejo, CA peacefully passed away with her daughter Linda at her side. Edwina was born on April 12, 1928 to Helen (Wells) and Harley Fandrick in Pueblo, CO. The family moved to St. Louis during the Depression where Harley worked as a machinist for Anheuser Busch Brewery. After enduring one summer in St. Louis, Helen and Edwina moved back to Pueblo, CO while Harley went to the west coast looking for work. For a time they settled in San Francisco Bay Area before moving to Vallejo, CA where Harley found employment at Mare Island Naval Shipyard. In 1949 Harley began his own business, Vallejo Machine Works. Edwina grew up in Vallejo, graduating from Vallejo High School in 1946. In 1947, she married her high school sweetheart, George Schaeffer, at St. Vincent Catholic Church in Vallejo. Children Mark and Linda followed in 1948 and 1950. Edwina worked as a receptionist and assistant to Lodena Edgecumbe, who ran the local dance studio in Vallejo during the late 1950's. Being active in dance and recital as a young girl, it was a great fit for Edwina. The position allowed her to work as well as take dance lessons occasionally. It also allowed her to stay close to The Arts while attending the ballet in Francisco with Lodena. This was the start of a lifelong friendship Edwina cherished with Lodena and her husband, Sigurd Kling. Edwina moved on to the Vallejo Unified School District as the Executive Assistant to the school district's Superintendent. Wanting to be closer to the children, she worked initially at Pennycook Elementary and then Cooper Elementary as the school Secretary. She was forever known as "Mrs. Forde" in the office even after retiring in 1984. Edwina's personal life changed over time. She met and married Captain LV Forde USN in 1968. Edwina and Larry spent his assignment in Hawaii entertaining family and friends and traveling to Hong Kong, New Zealand, and Japan. When Larry's tour of duty ended, they retired to Vallejo, splitting time between Vallejo and their cabin in Lake Tahoe, CA. Afternoons in their home on Valle Vista Street were filled with laughter and mischief with her four granddaughters. The family enjoyed "hanging out" with "Grammy and Grandpa Larry" along with Pakalana, the German Shepard Edwina adopted as a pup in Hawaii. Edwina and Larry adopted other little creatures along the way including Puddy, Pepper, and Peppy Joe - all filling the house with love. After Larry passed away, Edwina regularly traveled to Virginia to visit her son Mark's family, or she was living a full life in Vallejo with her daughter Linda and granddaughter, Jamie. Edwina's love of travel took her to many places including Alaska, a cross country drive to Virginia with her friend Gladys, cruises to the Caribbean, and holidays in Spain, England, and France. During this time, Edwina rekindled an old friendship with Walter Knipp which led to their marriage. In addition to her dedication to her family, Edwina was active in civic activities in Vallejo. These included serving as a Deaconess at her beloved First Presbyterian Church in Vallejo, Eastern Star, Kappa Iota Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi (life Member) , Daughters of the Nile, Lilac Branch of Solano County, Daughters of the American Revolution, and as an initial supporter of the Vallejo Museum. Edwina also found time to serve as the President of the Vallejo Chapter of the Navy League, and Secretary of the Solano County Grand Jury. Edwina is survived by her son Mark Schaeffer (Mary) of Naples, FL, daughter, Linda Cruz of Davis, CA, four granddaughters, Tami St. Francis (Bob), Lesley McCorry (Patrick), Jamie Webb (Darryl), and Caitlin Schaeffer; and six great-grandchildren, Trey, Hannah, Chloe, Madeline, Jacob, and Liam). Edwina was predeceased by her husbands George Schaeffer, Larry Forde, and Walter Knipp. A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, June 22, 2022 at 12 Noon at the Presbyterian Church, 1350 Amador Street, Vallejo. The family asks that donations be made to the ASPCA, Guide Dogs for the Blind, or to The Wounded Warrior Project in lieu f flowers. A special Thank You to Carlton Senior Living of Davis, and Sutter Hospice for their utmost compassion.

Tributes

Edwina Lee Forde-Burge

April 12, 1928 - May 31, 2022