Julia Anna was born to Henry Gerhard and Mary (Esker) Forsman of Keuterville, Idaho. She had 14 siblings which included a half-brother and three half-sisters. Julia attended public school in Keuterville, and then St. Scholastica's Academy in Colton, Washington. She entered the Monastery of St. Gertrude in 1926, making her vows on July 25, 1928, as S. Mary Edith.

S. Edith attended Holy Names College in Spokane, Washington, graduated from Mount Angel College in Oregon, and attended Lewis-Clark College in Lewiston. She taught in Idaho for 47 years, including at several parochial schools: St. Joseph's, Genesee; St. Paul's, Nampa; St. Nicholas, Rupert; St. Peter and Paul, Grangeville; and St. Mary's, Boise.

She also taught at St. Mary's in Chewelah, Washington and in the Idaho public schools of Greencreek, Ferdinand and Prairie Elementary, Cottonwood. She loved especially teaching first graders, who were eager to learn. She worked as Library Assistant to Sister Constance at Bishop Kelly High School in Boise and also served as an elementary principal for ten years.

S. Edith delighted in her hobby of painting, learning from S. Luitgard who was teaching art at St. Paul's in Nampa. "I saw the beautiful pictures those kids were turning out," she said, and asked for lessons. "Sister convinced me that I had artistic talent so...I gained a lot of confidence." She was encouraged to "just keep trying" with her painting.

Upon retiring to the Monastery in 1985, S. Edith became the community baker, making an average of 90 loaves of white and cracked wheat bread, as well as sweet rolls, every week. She also sewed for the infirmary and helped with canning get-togethers.

S. Edith is remembered especially for her compassion, humor, and love for life. She said: "I am delighted with what I can do; it keeps me young. I see so many beautiful things around me, and so many beautiful people that it inspires me." She recounted the story of two men looking out from prison, one seeing mud, the other stars. "I believe in looking at the stars."

Note: This information is from the Museum's 150 year book on the community.

Contributor: Friar Tuck (49028636)