Mrs. Rita M. (Lloyd) Edwards, 78 of Utica was reunited with her husband Howard, in Heaven, on Saturday December 18, 2010. Her loving family was by her side at the time of her passing. Rita was born in Utica on May 29, 1932 the daughter of Arthur and Margaret (Scully) Lloyd. She was raised in Utica and attended St. Francis de Sales High School. On October 28, 1950 Rita married Howard R. Edwards at St. Francis de Sales Church in Utica, a blessed union of 55 years until Howards death on December 19, 2005. Rita attended Our Lady of The Rosary Church in New Hartford and was a parishioner of the former Blessed Sacrament Church in Utica. Rita was an avid bingo player, enjoyed traveling with her husband, taking bus trips, going to the casino and playing her lottery tickets. She also received great joy in spending time with her family and friends, and babysitting her grandchildren as well as many other children. Rita was the "Best Mom" and we, her children can't thank her enough for her unconditional love. We were truly blessed to have her as our mother. Mrs. Edwards is survived by four daughters and three sons-in-law, Joan and Michael Cardarelli of Utica, Linda Colosimo of Whitesboro, Barbara and Joe (Gary) Petronella of Deerfield and Christine and Raymond Wiegand of Utica; two sons and one daughter-in-law, Larry Edwards of Utica and Stephen and Lisa Edwards of Charlotte, NC; seven cherished grandchildren, Christopher Cardarelli, David Cardarelli, AJ Colosimo, Bryan Petronella and his wife Diane, Dr. Jennifer Petronella, Andrew Wiegand and Mia DiMartino; one sister-in-law and two brothers-in-law, Irene and Charles Hall of Angola, NY and William Cianciola of Camillus, NY; her Godson, David Cianciola of Clifton Park, NY and dear friends, Richard Freeley of Whitesboro, Alison Mazza of New Hartford and Jim Frazier of Charlotte, NC. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, cousins and her feline companion, Shenanigans. She was predeceased by her son-in-law, Joe Colosimo, and three sisters, Patricia Zegarelli, Catherine Caouette and Margaret Cianciola. Mrs. Edwards' funeral will be held on Wednesday December 22, 2010 at 9:45 a.m. at the Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Rd., N. Utica and 10:30 at Our Lady of The Rosary Church where her mass of Christian burial will be celebrated. Entombment will follow in Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum in Utica. Calling hours for family and friends are Tuesday from 3:00-7:00 p.m. Those wishing to make a donation in Rita's name, please consider Health Friends of Oneida County, 126 Eagle St. Utica NY 13501. Mrs. Edwards' family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the entire staff of Faxton-St. Luke's Healthcare in New Hartford and her entire team of physicians for the wonderful care and compassion you provided to Rita. A special thank you to our families, friends and co-workers for the love and support you have provided during this difficult time.