Edith Marie Wells
Edith Marie Wells, 86, of Santa Barbara, California, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 3, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
Born on January 2, 1939, in Monrovia, California, Edith lived a life grounded in faith, family, and a deep love for others. She attended the University of California, Santa Barbara, where she met her husband and lifelong companion, Roger Wells. Their 65-year marriage was marked by devotion, partnership, and shared laughter.
Edith served for many years as a special education teacher’s aide in the Goleta Unified School District. Her patience, compassion, and commitment left a lasting impression on generations of students and colleagues. Her ability to make every child feel seen and valued reflected the warmth that defined her.
A dedicated member of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church since 1970, Edith sang in the choir and served on numerous committees. In addition, she was an active supporter of The Quire of Voyces, The Santa Barbara Women’s Club, P.E.O., and the Genealogy Society.
Edith’s home was a place of joy and celebration. She hosted many large family gatherings, including annual Easter egg hunts in the beautiful backyard oasis she and Roger created, festive Thanksgiving gatherings overflowing with food and laughter, and a neighborhood-famous Halloween celebration that welcomed hundreds for drinks, treats, and warm hospitality.
She had an infectious spirit — her smile lit up rooms, her laughter was unmistakable, and her genuine kindness left a mark on everyone she met. She was passionate about genealogy, spending countless hours tracing family history and preserving connections across generations.
Edith is survived by her husband Roger, and their three sons: Greg Wells (Kim), Jeff Wells, and Steve Wells (Tracy). She is also survived by five grandchildren — Tiffany, Alexa, Haylee, Sydney, and Collin — and two great-grandchildren, Leo and Theodore.
A memorial service will be held at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church (4575 Auhay Drive, Santa Barbara) on Saturday, May 24th at 2:00 PM.
We will all miss Edie, but her legacy will live on in every act of kindness, each time a stranger is welcomed, and — most importantly — every time we laugh out loud with our family and friends.
