She was born Edith Purcell in Rockford, Washington on November 29, 1916 and spent her early years there with her four brothers and three sisters. After graduating from Rockford High School, she began nurse's training in Spokane at Deaconess Hospital and, after completing her training, she started her career as a registered nurse. At the outbreak of World War 2, she enlisted in the U.S. Army, receiving the rank of Lieutenant and serving as an army nurse at Portland Army Air base. She was assigned duties treating wounded soldiers returning from the conflict. It was there that she met her future husband, Ernest Manildi, who was then working as a laboratory technician. They were married in 1943, and their son Donald was born in 1946. After living for two years in San Francisco, the family moved to Spokane where Edith continued to work part-time as a private duty registered nurse.
In 1954 Edith made a decision to embark on studies for a Master of Education degree at Whitworth College, and from 1956 until retiring in 1980, she was a remarkably dedicated fifth-grade teacher at Westview School in Spokane. Following retirement she devoted much time to reading, travel, and especially to Audubon Park United Methodist Church where, in addition to being a member since its founding in 1954, she helped establish and manage the church's food bank for many years.
Edith was preceded in death by her husband in 1990, but continued to live a rich, full and extraordinarily long life where her goal was first and foremost to be of service to others. Always willing to help those in need, she will be remembered for her ready smile and generous spirit.
Edith is survived by her son, Donald, of College Park, Maryland, a brother, Phillip Purcell of Rockford, and several nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Audubon Park Methodist Church, to the church's food bank, or to Spokane Food Bank. A memorial service is planned for Saturday, April 14, 2018, at 2pm at Audubon Park United Methodist Church.
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