Legacy at Methodist College Continues Through Memorial Bench Donation

Methodist College has a new bench on campus, dedicated in memory of an alumna. Jan Yalowitz donated the bench in memory of her mother, Edith Unsicker Albright. Edith is a graduate of the Class of 1945. She truly cherished her time at Methodist. 

The memorial bench is placed in a grassy area near the sidewalk between the main campus building and student housing. Once the bench was in place, Jan and other family members were able to visit campus to see the finished bench. Jan was joined by her sister Jill Wittert; Edith’s sister Marilyn Toepfer  Class of 1954; and Edith’s niece Diane Pflederer, Class of 1967.  Each family member agreed that Edith would have loved the bench. The saying on the plaque reads “Walk to be Healthy – Walk to be Happy” and to Edith walking meant more than exercise; she said it was for the mind, body and spirit.

Edith was known as a woman of influence to many in the community. As her grandson stated, “She was ahead of her time – a working mom and fiercely independent.” Edith was a high school valedictorian and graduated from Methodist School of Nursing as president of her class. Her career as a nurse with the Visiting Nurse Association was incredibly important to her. In her retirement, she was recognized for her decades of volunteer service with the Heart of Illinois Harvest. 

Edith Unsicker Albright left a lasting impression on everyone she met. Her legacy at Methodist College will continue, as students for many years will be inspired by the bench bearing her name and quote. The Methodist community thanks Jan Yalowitz for her donation to our campus.