Edith Downs Tomlin (DADE)'s Obituary
Edith Downs Tomlin (Dade), age 101, one of the last surviving nurses of the WWII era, passed away peacefully at the Delaware Veterans Home in Milford, DE on Wednesday June 15, 2016. She was born in Dagsboro, DE, daughter of the late George Downs and Clara Hickman Downs.
Mrs. Tomlin was a graduate of Lewes High School in 1932 and graduated Wilmington General Hospital in 1936 with her degree as a Registered Nurse.
In 1941 she joined the Army as a nurse and was stationed at Fort Dix, NJ and Camp Stoneman, CA before serving in the Philippine Islands under General MacArthur at Fifth Field Hospital, North of Manila. She was also at Guadalcanal and the Battle of Leyte. In 1946 she was honorably discharged at the rank of First Lieutenant and continued in the reserves, again receiving an Honorable discharge in 1950 at the rank of Captain, Army Nurse Corps, United States Army Reserve.
After the war she married Joseph L. Tomlin, Sr. and they resided in California during which time she gave birth to one son, Joseph Tomlin. She later divorced in the mid-fifties and returned to Lewes after nearly 30 years away.
After returning to Lewes she worked at Beebe Hospital in the operating room before starting and heading the Central Supply Department. She retired in 1977 after 20 years at Beebe Hospital to care for her ill sister, Marcella D. Buckaloo. Prior to her residing at Huling Cove in Lewes for twenty years, she resided with her mother.
Dade was the oldest and the second longest member of the Bethel United Methodist Church in Lewes. She was an avid bridge player, attended the Cheer and Senior Center, and had presented over 50 programs to various civic organizations on “Aging with Humor”. She was also a member of the Dewey AARP Chapter where she served as President for two terms.
She always enjoyed a good time, and especially a vodka martini, as well as spending time with her very good friend, Pauline Tarr, who faithfully would do her hair every two weeks and take extra special care of her needs.
In 2012 due to health issues her residence moved to the Delaware Veterans Home in Milford, DE. where her final departure, draped by the American Flag on Wednesday, was recognized by a dignified and solemn processional with the staff and residents in attendance providing her a well deserved salute.
Her survivors include her nephew Richard Buckaloo, III of Lewes, DE, great nephew William Henry Buckaloo of Lewes, and great great nieces and nephews, Christopher, Maren, Quinn, and Sloane.
Memorial services will be held on Wednesday August 3, 2016 at 11:00 AM at the Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE. Burial will be private at the Dagsboro Redmen Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers contributions are suggested to the Bethel United Methodist Church, 129 W. 4th Street, Lewes, DE 19958.
Please sign Mrs. Tomlin's guestbook located on this site.
FLORIST NOTE: PLEASE DELIVER ALL FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS BY 3PM ON TUESDAY AUGUST 2, 2016 TO PARSELL FUNERAL HOMES, LEWES, DE.
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