ROCKLAND — Sally E. Edwards, 89, passed away peacefully on September 29, 2025, at Breakwater Commons in Rockland. Born in Rockland on December 31, 1935, to Ralph and Anna (Thomas) Norwood, Sally was the eldest of nine children and proudly embraced her role as the family matriarch, helping her mother care for her siblings from a young age.

In 1956, Sally met and married the love of her life, Thornton “Sonny” Edwards, and together they built a home in Warren, raising two children. She graduated from Warren High School in 1953, and then worked for many years as a friendly and familiar face behind the counter at local shops including Bowdish 5 & 10 and the S+H Green Stamp Store. She had a natural gift with people—her kindness, laughter, and easygoing nature made her beloved by customers and coworkers alike.

Sally found joy in life’s simple pleasures: knitting, gardening, crafting ceramic knick-knacks, and sharing stories with friends. But above all, country music was the soundtrack of her soul. One of her most unforgettable memories was stepping through the doors of the original Grand Ole Opry in Nashville during the 1970s—an experience she spoke of with shining eyes for decades after. Her radio was rarely silent, and her love for country music was not just a hobby, but a lifelong passion that brought her comfort, joy, and a deep connection to the world around her.

Sally was also a proud member of the Red Hat Ladies and a member of the Second Congregational Church in Warren. Of all the roles she held in life, none brought her more pride than being a grandmother. Her heart swelled watching her grandson Declan grow, and she counted his graduation from Manhattanville College among her most treasured moments.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Sonny; daughter, Charity “Sherry” Edwards; her parents; and siblings Faith, Albert, Harland, Harvey and Sterling.

She is survived by her son, Harley Edwards; grandson, Declan Galvin; granddaughter, Sinead Galvin; and sisters Nancy Bryant, Patricia Overlock, and Hope Creighton.

A graveside service will be held Thursday, October 16, 2025, at 1 p.m., at the committal shelter at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 143 Blue Star Avenue, Augusta.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Sally’s name to the ‘Bread for the Journey’ Food Pantry, ATTN: Delia, PO Box 294, Warren, ME 04864.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hall Funeral Home and Cremation Services. To share a memory or condolence with the Edward’s family, visit www.hallfuneralhomes.com.