Obituary of Edith Young West

In Memoriam: Edith Young West (October 23, 1931 - July 28, 2023)

Edith Young West, a devoted nurse, educator, missionary, mother, and grandmother, passed away on Friday, July 28, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of love, compassion, and service. She was born on October 23, 1931, in Atlanta, Georgia, the cherished only daughter of Rev. James Russell Young and Mary  Leffingwell Young.

Edith's passion for healthcare and education led her to pursue a Bachelor's degree in nursing at Emory University in Atlanta, GA. She obtained a Master's in Psychiatric Nursing Education from Boston University, solidifying her expertise in the field she loved so dearly.

In her remarkable career as a nurse, Edith held esteemed positions, including the Director of Nursing at South Florida State Hospital. She also shared her knowledge and experience as a professor of nursing at the Broward Community College, University of Miami (FL), Luzerne County Community College, Misericordia College, and Modesto Junior College, influencing countless aspiring healthcare professionals.

In the early 1960s, Edith met Stewart Crawford West, through their church's young adult ministry, Kirk Keys, at First Presbyterian Church of Miami. Their love blossomed, and they embarked on a beautiful journey together, dedicating their lives to each other and to a shared mission.

Edith was not only a devoted wife, but also a loving and devoted mother and grandmother. Her love and guidance were steadfast pillars in the lives of her daughters, Mary Frances Leffingwell West Rzucidlo and Lura Susan Ripley West. 

Edith and Stewart's passion for helping others and their faith in their Lord, Jesus Christ, led them to serve on the mission field in Cap-Haitien, Haiti, from 1977 to the 1981 with OMS International (known today as One Mission Society). Their time in Haiti brought them immeasurable joy and fulfillment, as they selflessly cared for the country's people, shared the gospel, and gave their unwavering love. Prior to their service on the mission field Stewart and Edith served the haitian community in south Florida. Through their work they sponsored and supported a young haitian girl , Saufia Michel Pierre, by opening their home and making her a part of the family while she attended college and obtained her nursing degree. 

Edith was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Stewart Crawford West, whose presence in her life brought immense happiness and purpose. She is survived by her daughters Mary Frances Leffingwell Rzucidlo (and husband Richard Eugene Rzucidlo) and Lura Susan Ripley West, and her grandchildren, Corey Allen Rzucidlo (and his wife Erica Rzucidlo), Cameron James Rzucidlo (and his husband George Michael Sherflick), Cara Danielle Rzucidlo (and her husband Thomas Nathanial Tipton), and her great-grandchildren, Addison Noelle Rzucidlo, Audrey Leigh Rzucidlo, Grayson William Tipton, and Lincoln Richard Tipton.

In this time of mourning, we celebrate the life of Edith Young West and the profound difference she made in the lives of her family, students, patients, and the people of Haiti. Her memory will forever be a guiding light for all who knew her.

She will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband, Stewart, in Beaufort National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be made in Edith Young West's name to CREOLE, Inc, (https://creoleinc.org), an organization committed to providing sustainable community based solutions for the good of Haiti.

Rest in peace, dear Edith (Mom). You will forever live on in our hearts and minds.