Virginia E. Wilman

Holden - Virginia Edson Wilman, passed away on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. Born on December 21, 1936, in Worcester, Massachusetts, Virginia was the beloved daughter of Theodore R. and Beatrice (Manning) Edson. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Mary E. Hunt, her brother John H. Edson, and her husband, James F. Wilman. She is survived by her brother, Theodore M. Edson of Westborough; and her nieces, Dianne Iannelli of Franklin, Stephanie Walsh of Falmouth, JoAnne Szymanski of Holden, Laura Puopolo of Falmouth and New York City; her nephews, Frank B. Hunt Jr., of Shrewsbury, and Theodore E. Hunt of Islington; Theodore Edson of Carlsbad, CA, and John Edson of Jacksonville, FL; and her late brother John’s wife, Roberta Edson of Falmouth.

Virginia graduated from Framingham State College in 1959 with a Bachelor of Science degree in education, and continued her studies, earning a Master of Science degree in 1966 from Simmons College. Her commitment to education was further evidenced by her Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Education from Framingham State College.

Her professional career began in Pelham, New York, but it was in the Wellesley public schools where Virginia truly made her mark. Over the span of 35 years, she touched countless lives as a teacher and served as the Home Economics department head for 10 years. Her dedication to her field was recognized when she was featured in Marquis Who’s Who of American Women in 1991, and Who’s Who in American Education in 1992. Virginia also contributed her expertise as a board member of the Massachusetts Home Economics Association and as treasurer of the Wellesley Teachers’ Association from 1976 to 1979. She was an active member of the American Association of University Women and the Wellesley Centers for Women at Wellesley College.

In addition to her educational pursuits, Virginia was proud of her heritage, participating in the Massachusetts Society of Mayflower Descendants, the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Edson Genealogical Association. She was a communicant of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Jefferson, where she found spiritual solace and community.

Virginia’s life was not only defined by her professional achievements, but also by her personal interests and characteristics. She loved to travel and was an avid bridge player. She was known for her quick wit and warm spirit, which endeared her to friends and family alike.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation Wednesday, August 26, 2026, from 9:30AM to 10:45AM at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St. Holden MA. Virginia’s Mass of Christian Burial will follow, beginning at 11:30AM, at St. Mary’s Church, 114 Princeton St., Jefferson, MA. Interment will be private in the family plot in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in Concord MA.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Virginia’s name to St. Mary’s Church in Jefferson MA.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at Oasis of Dodge Park and Brookhaven Hospice for their dedicated care and support during Virginia’s final days.