Edna H. (Purcell) Dennis

Born in Fall River, Edna was the daughter of the late Martin and Mary Carmen (Valton) Purcell and step-daughter of the late Helen (Valton) Purcell.

Edna was a devoted nurse's aide at Charlton Memorial Hospital. A pioneer, Edna was one of the first nurses’ aides ever to work in their emergency department, paving the way for others to follow. Edna was a La Sallette lay associate who ended her working years as a caretaker at La Sallette, where she welcomed retreatants at the big house. She was a long-standing member of St. Louis Church, where she volunteered with bingo and served in the kitchen. Edna enjoyed the ocean, nature and travelling. She was also a devoted Downton Abbey fan. Edna loved Jesus, her family, and especially her grandchildren.

Edna was the mother of three children, Kathleen Arruda, MaryEllen Montville, and the late Richard Murphy; she is also survived by her sister, Cynthia Purcell Costa (Carlos), and is the sister of the late Josephine Machado and Elizabeth Kaliff; and brothers Martin Purcell, Michael Purcell, and James Purcell. Edna is survived by her grandchildren, Danny Hayes, Jason Murphy, Karalee Uribe (Ismael), Matthew Wadsworth, Ashley Wadsworth (Joshua Vierling), and Alex Carmona; several great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

A visitation will be held Tuesday, August 29, 2023, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with a Funeral Service in the Auclair Funeral Home, 690 South Main Street, Fall River, at 6 P.M. Flowers or donations to The American Cancer Society in memory of her late son, Richard M. Murphy, are welcomed.

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