Obituary of Peter John Edwards

After a long period of declining health, Pete left us on a sunny March morning. Born in Hartford, CT, the youngest of four children in a close-knit family, he was educated in parochial schools and subsequently in seminaries in Bloomfield, CT, Rochester, NY, and the American College in Louvain, Belgium, all part of his preparation to enter the priesthood. On his return to the United States, his life took a different direction, and he enrolled in a Ph.D. program in French studies at Fordham University in New York City.

Although he did not know it at the time, his arrival at Mount Allison University in 1974 would mark a decisive turning point: he remained at Mount A, teaching French language and literature until his retirement in 2007. His new direction included his marriage in 1977 to Kathy Hamer, also a professor of French at Mount A; in later years, he would tell people he had married the boss. With Kathy, he shared a love of travel, with France topping the list of preferred destinations.

Pete was a productive researcher and scholar throughout his career, coordinating an international team of academics to produce a definitive multi-volume critical edition of the works of 19^th-century French poet and critic Théodore de Banville. The final volume appeared just before his 80^th birthday. His research provided opportunities for senior students in French, several of whom have written to praise his patient mentorship. Over the years, he taught courses from several very different fields, from medieval literature to that of the 19^th century. Besides teaching and research, he also served several terms as department head and faculty representative to Mount Allison’s Board of Regents. In recognition of his contributions to the study of French literature and civilization, the French government appointed him Chevalier de l’Ordre des palmes académiques, an honour of which he was very proud.

He took great delight in observing – sometimes cynically – the foibles of humanity, and was never afraid to skewer hypocrisy, deliberate misrepresentations, or bad faith. He believed in speaking truth to power: one former colleague has referred to his “Ciceronian moments” in faculty debates through the years.

In retirement, he especially enjoyed his collaborations with photographer Thaddeus Holownia, through several trips to Paris to document the city through Holownia’s unique talent, bringing a new vision to a city renowned for its photographic tradition.

Family was central all his life, and he was very proud of his two daughters, Katie and Meghan. More recently, the arrival of grand-daughter Maeve Edwards brought him new happiness, as he discovered “l’art d’être grand-père”. His daughters remember his etymologies, both real and invented; his meatloaf, a key ingredient of every family visit; his keen interest in genealogy; his love of Irish music and heritage; his advice, which he sometimes offered unsolicited and which they sometimes heeded. Sabbaticals in France were adventures for the entire family, as were summer holidays on Prince Edward Island, Christmases at home, skating on Silver Lake, forays to Amherst for ice cream with young daughters and nieces; and harvesting the vegetables produced from his careful annual planting. The Hamer-Edwards home on Silver Lake was the scene of many a family gathering, dinner party, reception, and celebration. A man of few words, he was happiest at home, surrounded by family and friends.

Pete leaves his wife, Kathy Hamer, his daughters Katie and Meghan, Katie’s partner Chris van den Berg, and grand-daughter Maeve Edwards; his sister Mary Jane Edwards, and his brother Francis Edwards. He was predeceased by brother Jimmy, and by parents Cecelia and James Edwards. We mourn his passing, and celebrate his life, thankful for all he gave us and the many memories he helped create.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Erin Campbell and the staff of Campbell’s Funeral Home, 89 Bridge Street, Sackville N.B. (506) 364-8188. Cremation has taken place and a memorial gathering for family, friends and former collegues will take place on Saturday, July 12, 2025 at 2 pm at the Owen's Art Gallery on the Mount Allison University Campus. 

Donations in memory of Peter may be made to the Friends of the Moncton Hospital, the New Brunswick Museum or to the charity of one's choice.

On-line condolences and sharing of memories may be forwarded to the family through our website www.campbellsfuneralhome.com or by visiting the funeral home Facebook page.

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