Edwina Brady passed away peacefully on March 23, 2024, in La Jara, Colo., at the age of 89. Born on June 7, 1934, in the same close-knit community, to parents Edwin Shawcroft and Gatha Smith Shawcroft. Edwina later married and moved to Manassa, Colo., where she and her husband, Max raised their family. Edwina's life was a testament to the enduring power of education, family, and faith. Edwina's academic prowess was evident early on. At the tender age of 16, she began her education by attending Colorado A&M, now known as Colorado State University, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. Her passion for learning and teaching blossomed into a fulfilling 30-year career as a Home Economics teacher, where she touched the lives of countless students with her knowledge and kindness.

Beyond the classroom, Edwina's life was rich with the joys of gardening, tending to her flowers and yard with a meticulous and loving hand. She found great pleasure in watching her grandchildren's sporting events, cheering them on with unwavering support. In her earlier years, Edwina and her beloved husband Max shared a fondness for the excitement of the racetrack. Her love for the annual Manassa Pioneer Days Celebration was unmatched, as she never missed an opportunity to partake in the festivities that brought the community together.

Edwina's home was a hub of warmth and storytelling, always open to the neighborhood children who delighted in her tales and her company. Her dedication to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was evident through her many callings, including that of a Sunday School teacher and Scout Leader, roles in which she guided and inspired with a gentle hand.

She is survived by her loving children, Steve (Trenna) Brady of Monte Vista, Maxine (Rick) Rodriguez of Manassa, and Richard (Shauna) Brady of McKinney, Texas; daughter-in-law Sherry Brady of Marina, Calif.; stepchildren Brent (Glenda) Brady, Kirtland, New Mexico, Sharri Headrick, Bloomfield, N.M., and a legacy of 19 grandchildren, over 30 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren, with two more on the way. Edwina's sisters, Emma Rae Shawcroft and Elaine Leech, both of La Jara, and Annette Smith of Pleasant Grove, Utah, along with numerous nieces, nephews. Extended family, and friends, will fondly remember her loving and friendly spirit.

Edwina was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Max Brady, whom she married on Dec. 29, 1958, at her family ranch near La Jara, and were sealed for all time and eternity in the Salt Lake Temple. Also, by her son Doug Brady, her grandchild Larry Deb Vernon, her great-grandchild Danny J. Brady; her great-great grandchildren Braylynn Ava Brady, and Cleatus Cole Robins; as well as her brothers-in-law Jack Smith, and Reed Leech.

A Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at the Rogers Family Mortuary in Manassa, and from 10-10:45 a.m. Wednesday, April 3, 2024, followed by a Funeral Service at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 3, at the Manassa Stake Center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Interment will follow services in the Manassa-Romeo Cemetery.

Contributions in Edwina’s memory are suggested to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints General Missionary Fund, c/o Rogers Family Mortuary, 205 State Ave., Alamosa, CO 81101.

Rogers Family Mortuary is in care of the arrangements. To leave online words of comfort, and remembrances, please visit www.RogersFunerals.com.