Edith Hiley - a life dedicated to the welfare of others

This is taken from an obituary of Edith written by her friend Angela McKenzie:

After some time and much thought Edith decided the Probation Service was the career for her. Such was the good relationship she invariably established with clients, that one murderer whom she had on licence, invited her to his wedding. There are countless life stories of those whom she met in her professional life to testify to the esteem in which she was held.

Not only was she highly thought of locally, but she had the opportunity of even greater promotion to the Home Office, but in typical humble fashion, she eschewed this, preferring infinitely the day to day contact with the people around her in the place where she lived and worked - Halifax.

Just as there seemed nowhere in this country she had not visited either on her bicycle or in her car, or through work, so was her journeying into faith via Methodism, Roman Catholicism and finally Anglicanism. Her life was spent searching for truth which she personified.

Edith was a founder member of Relate (known in those days as the Marriage Guidance Council), having trained for this type of work in London. She was also a founder member of the Ludlam Trust which helped the families of men in prison. For many years she was a member of the Supplementary Benefits Tribunal.

As a member of the Halifax Parish Church she took communion to the housebound and visited many parishioners over several decades, giving succour and comfort to those in need, and having fun with the younger members of the congregation.

Beauty, music, books and discussions of deep issues were also among her loves.

Though it may have been said as a joke, she was known as "Miss Halifax" - everyone seemed to know and love her.

It is often said about someone when they die that we will not see their like again. In Edith Hiley's case this is true. Every life she touched was indeed glorified. Her last home was in Trinity Fold. Her active and varied life, with its unique contributions and total integrity, can best be summed up as a dedication to the welfare of others.

Edith at Bolton Abbey

Edith with three of her grand nephews