Born November 4, 1939, in Attleboro, Massachusetts, to Charles Nickel Allaire and Ella Seeley Palmer, Edie attended the University of Connecticut, where her lifelong love of history, biography, and politics took root. While home on break in Minot, North Dakota, she met Captain Alan Avery, who swept her off her feet despite being on crutches. They shared 43 devoted years of marriage.

Their early years took them between Oklahoma City and Houston as Alan’s career with Shell Oil Company began. In 1968, a call to the ministry brought them to Washington, D.C., where he attended Virginia Theological Seminary. During that time, Edie worked on Capitol Hill as a speechwriter and case manager for Oklahoma Congressmen James Smith and Happy Camp. Politically astute and a lifelong Democrat, she believed deeply in civil rights and social justice and was known for engaging others in thoughtful, articulate, and respectful discourse.

Edie’s faith was grounded in compassion. She drew no distinction between people of differing denominations, religions, or socioeconomic backgrounds, believing deeply in the dignity of all. Her travels — from Jerusalem and across the Middle East to Russia and the Galápagos — affirmed her respect for people of all walks of life.

Her true calling emerged in Richmond, Virginia, where she became a registered nurse. She began as a city nurse serving the poorest communities in public health and later served as sole healthcare provider for the Meskwaki Nation in Iowa. Over a 40-year career, she was instrumental in establishing the fourth licensed hospice in the United States, helping shape standards that elevated hospice care nationwide. She served as Executive Director for Iowa River Hospice, Toumey Home Services, Palmetto GBA, Heartland Home Health and Odyssey Healthcare.

Edie was a master in the kitchen, able to prepare anything from scratch. Her greatest artistic passion was sewing exquisite children’s dresses, often hand-smocked or crafted with antique lace. She made every Easter and Christmas dress for her daughters and even several wedding gowns.

She was preceded in death by her husband, the Rev. Alan Avery, and her children, Gordon Stevens Avery II and Anne Kathryn Harlin.

She is survived by her daughters, Seeley Avery de Holmquist (Edwin) and Sarah Downs (Richard); her grandchildren, Lincoln (Emily), Allaire (Michael), Scott (Miranda), Bird, Robin, Alan, AC (Haris), Palmer, Lily, Jessika, and Celeste (Andrew); her great-grandchildren, Josephine, Georgia, Oliver, and Frances; and her brother, Charles Allaire (Linda).

A private memorial service and interment will be held later this year on the East Coast. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Edie’s memory to the American Civil Liberties Union or National Public Radio. Condolences may be shared at tributes@tcmvi.com.

Those who knew her best often used one word to describe her: classy. It was more than style — it was intellect, conviction, generosity, and unwavering dignity.