Updated from the original publication on November 17, 2015.
The 19th century Gospel hymn, “I Love to Tell the Story,” is a reflective description of the life and work of Edie Young. Edie is a resident of Presbyterian Village at Hollidaysburg and one who claims that, “Variety is the spice of life…but some spices we can do without.”
Family is a strong thread in Edie’s tapestry of life. She has three sons, two daughters, fourteen grandchildren, twenty-four great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren—with another on the way. Her husband, a salesman and a PennDot worker, has been deceased for 30 years.
Music is another strong thread in Edie’s life. She has played the piano for 60+ years—in addition to her stints on the radio, dance schools, Christian women and other various groups, organizations, and events—including a workshop with the composer and arranger, John Peterson. Edie also gave the joy of music to her piano students over a span of 54 years. That love of music also found its way through her children with three of them playing in Navy bands. She played at the Presbyterian Village at Hollidaysburg for hymn sings, parties and other sing-alongs for her first two years until the arthritis in her hands made it necessary for a transposition of her passion for witness and service.
“My purpose is to bring joy to everybody in whatever way I can and to live according to the Golden Rule,” says Young.
Edie’s love for learning is evident in taking a look at her room—stacks of books are everywhere to fuel her passion for reading and passing on what she learns. She says, “The more you teach, the more you know.” Her work at a public library also encouraged her love of books.
Edie’s latest outreach ministry is her card ministry, started at the same time as the Masterpiece Living® launch two years ago. The four components of Masterpiece Living® (Spiritual, Intellectual, Physical and Social) support her ministry as she selects the right card for the right person with the right message and as the muscles in her hands allow.
What began as a hobby because of her physical challenges, having lost a leg due to an infection a few years ago, has now become a calling for her. It has grown from sending cards to just the people she knows to include all staff and residents. She sends to residents because some don’t have families to visit. She sends to staff because they deserve the recognition.
Edie is never in want for a supply of cards. Volunteers and staff from local churches and Presbyterian Village at Hollidaysburg keep her in cards of all types.
As Edie continues to tell the story through her card ministry and continued love of music as a listener, she hones her purpose, “To live according to the Word of the Lord and make people happy.” Soon, Eddie will begin training at Presbyterian Village at Hollidaysburg to be a volunteer chaplain’s assistant.