Edith Stringham Tepper passed away peacefully of natural causes on July 5, 2026, in Boston, Massachusetts. She was born on September 12, 1936, in Poughkeepsie, New York, to Varick Van Wyck Stringham, Sr. and Gertrude Watkins Stringham. Raised on the family dairy farm, Crystal Springs, in Wappingers Falls, Edie shared a close bond with her brother, Varick “Van” Stringham, who predeceased her on June 12, 2026.
A gifted student from an early age, Edie graduated as Valedictorian from Wappingers Falls High School before earning a Bachelor of Arts in English, with honors, from Cornell University in 1958, and a Master’s degree in Education from SUNY Plattsburgh in 1980.
The first half of Edie’s professional life was devoted to education. She taught high school English in Wappingers Falls, Keene Valley, and Saranac Lake and also volunteered as an Emergency First Aid instructor throughout the Adirondacks, generously sharing her time and knowledge with her community
After her first marriage to John “Jack” Videtti ended in divorce in 1983, fate reunited Edie with her college sweetheart, Barry Tepper, whom she had not seen in 25 years. Their love rekindled and they married just one month later, beginning a happy partnership that lasted more than 40 years. Together they made their home in Boston’s Back Bay, a place Edie often said fulfilled a lifelong dream after growing up as a country girl. From 1986 until her retirement in 2004, she served as Assistant to the Dean of the Simmons Graduate School of Social Work and Supervisor of Non-Faculty Staff.
An avid lifelong learner, Edie’s interests ranged from cozy mysteries to quantum physics and its relationship to Buddhism. She loved photography, creating and selling her own photographic note cards in Maine and Boston, and enjoyed theater, the symphony, world dance, puzzles, and all kinds of needle work.. She also treasured summers on Friends Lake in New York and in Friendship, Maine. Edie always took interest in the people around her. During her daily walks through Back Bay, Copley Place, and the Prudential Center, she became a familiar and beloved face to shopkeepers, kiosk owners, and neighbors alike.
An active member of Union United Church, she served as Director of Prison Ministry, sang with the Reunion Gospel Choir, and participated in the Food for the Poor Ministry. She also volunteered with Boston Warm, a support program for the homeless, and supported numerous organizations dedicated to alleviating hunger, protecting the environment and wildlife, providing world-wide medical help, and promoting diversity, equality, and inclusivity.
Above all, however, Edie delighted in being a grandmother. With boundless imagination, childlike enthusiasm, and endless patience, she could play for hours. To her grandchildren, she was far more than “Grammy” (or affectionately, “Grammar”)—she was a friend.
Edie will be remembered for her empathy, her intelligence, her humor, and her beauty.
She is survived by her beloved husband, Barry Tepper of Boston, Massachusetts; her three children: Michael Videtti of Webster, NY; Linda Videtti Figueiredo of Los Angeles, CA (Paul); and Susan Videtti Peters of Amsterdam, NY (Richard). She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren and great-grandson: Jacklyn Figueiredo of Los Angeles, CA; Ellie Peters of Amsterdam, NY; Nicholas Videtti of Hilton, NY (Sam), and their son, Caleb; Rachel Videtti of Hilton, NY (fiancé, Austin Hynes-Fisher); and Hannah Videtti of Webster, NY. She is also survived by her nephews: Jon Meyers of Commack, NY (Cherie); and Jeremy Meyers of New York City; and nieces Amanda Cirelli, of Poughkeepsie, NY; Rebecca Stringham of Poughkeepsie, NY; Pamela Thallner of Jenkintown, PA (Paul); and Eden Bennett of Huntington Station, NY (Paul).
A private memorial luncheon for immediate family will be held.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Doctors Without Borders, the Sierra Club, or Rosie’s Place in Boston.