Obituary of Gertrude Stengaard Hansen Edge

Gertrude Stengaard Hansen Edge COLUMBIA - A memorial service to celebrate the life of Gertrude Edge, 92, of Columbia, SC will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, August 25, 2018, at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Columbia, 2701 Heyward Street. Gertrude (Gertrud, in Danish) was born in Copenhagen, Denmark on May 22, 1926, daughter of Karen Caroline Marie Nielsen and Jens Karl Larsen. She is survived by her husband, Dr. Ronald Edge of Columbia, SC and her sister Hanne Larsen (Anders) of Grindsted, Denmark, six children, ten grandchildren, and four great grandchildren. Gertrude was a creative, innovative life-long learner and teacher who took great interest in religion and theology, the welfare of others, social justice, and nurturing the development of children. Her concern for others and world community even led her to learn Braille and Esperanto. She enjoyed teaching piano, leading Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts, playing and listening to music, and writing poetry and songs for special occasions. Since emigrating from Denmark in 1952, she has been an active member of Unitarian Universalist congregations where ever she has lived - advocating for civil rights, directing and teaching Sunday School, being a friend to those in need, and encouraging interfaith dialogue. She took courses through the Mature Students Program at USC, and at age 68, earned a BA in Religious Studies. Gertrude enjoyed many adventures with her loving husband, Ron, including international folk dancing, contra-dancing, attending folk festivals (including the Georgia Rang Tang festival), hiking, sailing, VW camping, visiting with friends and family, and exploring different lands and cultures. Gertrude will be dearly missed and remembered with great love. “Tak for alt!” To send flowers or a remembrance gift to the family of Gertrude Edge, please visit our Tribute Store.