Rooted In A Legacy Of Care

Mrs. Germaine Karg and Mrs. Anna Doran Walsh recognized the need for a Catholic home for older adults in the Akron area and began advocating for its creation.

The founders approached the Bishop of Cleveland twice. After initial hesitation, they were encouraged to find a religious order willing to operate the future home.

Mother General M. Rosalia of the Sisters of St. Dominic confirmed the Sisters' commitment to helping establish and organize the new home for older adults.

Archbishop Edward F. Hoban designated Catholic Charities campaign funds to establish St. Edward Nursing Home, laying the financial foundation for the project.

Dominican Sisters completed nursing and administrative training to prepare for operating the new nursing home, including Sr. Eugene Beil earning her administrator's license.

Joseph and Sophie Jacobs donated their family home and 26-acre property to Catholic Charities, providing the future site of St. Edward.

Sr. Bernadine Robinson reflected on the importance of creating a place where older adults could receive care while remaining connected to their Catholic faith.

Construction of the 100-bed St. Edward facility began, funded through Catholic Charities campaigns from 1959 through 1962.

St. Edward Home for the Aged officially opened on June 27, 1964. Joseph and Sophie Jacobs became its first residents.

The original mission welcomed every resident with dignity and respect, regardless of race, creed, or color.

Dominican Sisters dedicated themselves to resident care while receiving only modest compensation for their service.

Sr. Eugene Beil became the first administrator, remembered for combining firm leadership with kindness and generosity.

Sr. Philomena Cook recalled the long hours and commitment that established St. Edward's reputation for exceptional care.

Volunteers worked alongside staff, enriching residents' lives through companionship, activities, and entertainment.

Volunteers organized outings, holiday celebrations, music, and social events that strengthened the community.

Civic leaders from across Akron helped guide the organization through dedicated service on its board.

The Village of St. Edward continued to grow through the generosity of donors, volunteers, Catholic Charities, and the Dominican Sisters.

Assisted living and independent living residences were added, providing a broader continuum of care for older adults.

The organization became The Village of St. Edward, reflecting its expanded services and full continuum of senior living.

In 2017, The Village of St. Edward expanded its Fairlawn campus with the opening of a dedicated Memory Care community. This addition reflected our ongoing commitment to meeting the evolving needs of our residents by providing specialized care and a supportive environment for individuals living with memory loss.

The Village of St. Edward continued its mission of providing compassionate, faith-based senior living with the opening of its Wadsworth community in January 2019. This expansion brought quality Assisted Living and Memory Care services to Wadsworth and surrounding communities

In November 2019, The Village of St. Edward celebrated another milestone with the opening of its Green community. Offering Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care, this new location further expanded the organization's reach and commitment to providing exceptional care in a welcoming, supportive environment.